Conjugated polymer nanomaterials for theranostics

Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2017 Jun;38(6):764-781. doi: 10.1038/aps.2017.42. Epub 2017 May 29.

Abstract

Conjugated polymer nanomaterials (CPNs), as optically and electronically active materials, hold promise for biomedical imaging and drug delivery applications. This review highlights the recent advances in the utilization of CPNs in theranostics. Specifically, CPN-based in vivo imaging techniques, including near-infrared (NIR) imaging, two-photon (TP) imaging, photoacoustic (PA) imaging, and multimodal (MM) imaging, are introduced. Then, CPN-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are surveyed. A variety of stimuli-responsive CPN systems for drug delivery are also summarized, and the promising trends and translational challenges are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Photochemotherapy
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine*

Substances

  • Polymers