Recent progress on molecularly near-infrared fluorescent probes for chemotherapy and phototherapy

• Published in: Coordination chemistry reviews Vol. 427; p. 213556
• Main Authors: Yan, Chenxu, Zhang, Yutao, Guo, Zhiqian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.01.2021
• Subjects: Fluorescent probe; Near-infrared; Photodynamic therapy; Photothermal therapy; Prodrug; Photothermal therapy; Photodynamic therapy; Prodrug; Near-infrared; Fluorescent probe
• ISSN: 0010-8545; 1873-3840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2020.213556

In this review, we summary the design concepts and strategies of NIR fluorescent theranostics for cancer treatment. In particular, molecularly NIR fluorescent theranostic probe is elucidated to address current challenges of real-time bioimaging and tumor-specific chemotherapy/phototherapy for personalized treatment. [Display omitted] •Engineering strategies of molecularly NIR fluorescent theranostics are reviewed.•The recent progress of NIR theranostics for chemotherapy, PDT, and PTT is presented.•The challenges for the future design of molecularly NIR theranostics are discussed. Recently, molecularly fluorophores for nanotheranostics, bridging in vivo imaging and therapeutic capability within unimolecular system, has attracted increasing attention. Compared with the visible fluorescence imaging, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging possesses unique advantages including low background, deep penetration, and minimal damage to biological tissues. Based on the typical high-performance fluorophores, we highlight the recent progress on molecularly NIR fluorescent probes for in vivo chemotherapy and phototherapy with a particular focus on their design strategy and functionalization. Current challenges and future perspectives of molecularly NIR fluorescent theranostics in bringing forth clinical applications for personalized treatment are also discussed.