Ruthenium(II) complex-photosensitized multifunctionalized porous silicon nanoparticles for two-photon near-infrared light responsive imaging and photodynamic cancer therapy

Multifunctionalized porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs), containing the novel Ru(II) complex-photosensitizer, the polyethylene glycol moiety, and mannose molecules as cancer targeting ligands, are constructed and showcased for application in near infrared (NIR) light-responsive photodynamic therapy (PDT) and imaging of cancer. Exposure to NIR light leads to two-photon excitation of the Ru(II)-complex which allows efficient simultaneous cancer-imaging and targeted PDT therapy with the functionalized biodegradable pSiNP nanocarriers.