Improving photothermal effects of an organic photothermal agent using a chitosan hydrogel.

Aggregation of organic photothermal agents enhances their photothermal effect. Conventionally, aggregation is achieved by solvatochromic effects which is not translatable for photothermal applications. This report details the incorporation of an organic photosensitizer into a chitosan hydrogel which induced its aggregation, enhancing its photothermal effect and feasibility for its intended applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]