A multifunctional nanoprobe for targeting tumors and mitochondria with singlet oxygen generation and monitoring mitochondrion pH changes in cancer cells by ratiometric fluorescence imaging

• Published in: Chemical science (Cambridge) Vol. 11; no. 14; pp. 3636 - 3643
• Main Authors: Zhao, Jingjin, Zou, Mengbing, Huang, Mengjiao, Zhang, Liangliang, Yang, Keqin, Zhao, Shulin, Liu, Yi-Ming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 14.04.2020; The Royal Society of Chemistry
• Subjects: Apoptosis; Change detection; Chemistry; Diamines; Fluorescence; Folic acid; Infrared lasers; Mitochondria; Monitoring; Photodynamic therapy; Polyoxyethylene; Quantum dots; Singlet oxygen; Tumors

Mitochondria are the main sites of cell metabolism. Even minor pH changes may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and promote cell apoptosis. Mitochondrion-targeting photosensitizers can produce singlet oxygen in the mitochondria. In tumor photodynamic therapy (PDT), tumor cells are killed through sin...