Aggregation-Induced Emission Photosensitizers: From Molecular Design to Photodynamic Therapy

J Med Chem. 2020 Mar 12;63(5):1996-2012. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02014. Epub 2020 Feb 17.

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising noninvasive treatment option for cancers and other diseases. The key factor that determines the effectiveness of PDT is the photosensitizers (PSs). Upon light irradiation, the PSs would be activated, produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), and induce cell death. One of the challenges is that traditional PSs adopt a large flat disc-like structure, which tend to interact with the adjacent molecules through strong π-π stacking that reduces their ROS generation ability. Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecules with a twisted configuration to suppress strong intermolecular interactions represent a new class of PSs for image-guided PDT. In this Miniperspective, we summarize the recent progress on the design rationale of AIE-PSs and the strategies to achieve desirable theranostic applications in cancers. Subsequently, approaches of combining AIE-PS with other imaging and treatment modalities, challenges, and future directions are addressed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Design*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Photic Stimulation / methods*
  • Photochemotherapy / methods
  • Photochemotherapy / trends*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / agonists
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine / methods
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine / trends

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Reactive Oxygen Species