Search

[Display omitted] • Two lipid-droplets (LDs) targeting photosensitizers (C-S-2 and C-S-3) were designed and synthesized. • C-S-2 and C-S-3 presented NIR emission and singlet oxygen generation capability under laser irradiation. • C-S-3 processed better photostability, superior LDs targeting capability and stronger photodynamic effect than C-S-2. The development of photosensitizers (PSs) with subcellular targeting capability has raised interest for photodynamic therapy (PDT) research. In this work, two coumarin-based photosensitizers (C-S-2 and C-S-3) were designed and synthesized via expanding their π-conjugation, introducing strong electron-donor and acceptor groups, and adopting sulfur substitution strategy. These sulfured-coumarins exhibited near-infrared emission (greater than 650 nm), lipid droplet-targeting ability and obvious photocytotoxicity under laser irradiation. In particular, C-S-3 exhibited better photostability, superior lipid droplet-targeting capability, and stronger photodynamic effect on cancer cells than C-S-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzopyran nitrile dyes cannot be used as qualified photosensitizers due to the low quantum yield of triplet state. The benzopyran derivatives containing selenium instead of oxygen atom based on the heavy atom effect are expected to become potential agents for photodynamic therapy. In this paper, a series of selenium-containing photosensitizers (PS X) were prepared according to this strategy. PS X can effectively produce both singlet oxygen and superoxide anions upon laser irradiation. PS X exhibited the emission wavelength at 500–800 nm and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging in HeLa cells. Excellent biocompatibility and phototoxicity further indicated that PS X could be used as efficient photosensitizers for NIR fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy. Four novel selenium-containing photosensitizers (PS X) have been synthesized through a strategy of introducing Se into the dye core. PS X can serve as effective photosensitizers for NIR fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy. [Display omitted] • Four selenium-containing photosensitizers (PS X) were prepared by introducing Se into the dye core. • PS X can effectively produce both singlet oxygen and superoxide anions upon laser irradiation. • PSx exhibited near-infrared fluorescence imaging and efficient photodynamic therapy in HeLs cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]