NIR-Responsive Lysosomotropic Phototrigger: An AIE plus ESIPT Active Naphthalene-Based Single-Component Photoresponsive Nanocarrier with Two-Photon Uncaging and Real-Time Monitoring Ability

In recent times, organelle-targeted drug delivery systems have gained tremendous attention due to the site-specific delivery of active drug molecules, resulting in enhanced bioefficacy. In this context, a phototriggered drug delivery system (DDS) for releasing an active molecule is superior, as it provides spatial and temporal control over the release. So far, a near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive organelle-targeted DDS has not yet been developed. Hence, we introduced a two-photon NIR light-responsive lysosome-targeted AIE + ESIPT active single-component DDS based on the naphthalene chromophore. The two-photon absorption cross section of our DDS is 142 GM at 850 nm. The DDS was converted into pure organic nanoparticles for biological applications. Our nano-DDS is capable of selective targeting, AIE luminogenic imaging, and drug release within the lysosome. In vitro studies using cancerous cell lines showed that our single-component photoresponsive nanocarrier exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity and real-time monitoring ability of drug release.

Automated summary

In recent years, organelle-targeted drug delivery systems have gained attention for their enhanced bioefficacy. We have developed a two-photon near-infrared light-responsive lysosome-targeted drug delivery system that allows selective targeting, real-time monitoring of drug release, and enhanced cytotoxicity.