Organic single molecule based nano-platform for NIR-II imaging and chemo-photothermal synergistic treatment of tumor

Integrating multiple functionalities of near-infrared second window fluorescence imaging (NIR-Ⅱ FLI), chemotherapy, and photothermal treatment (PTT) into a single molecule is desirable but still a highly challenging task. Herein, inspired by the results that hyperthermia can enhance the cytotoxicity of some alkylating agents, we designed and synthesized the novel compound NM. By introducing nitrogen mustard's active moiety bis(2-chlorethyl)amino into Donor-Acceptor-Donor (D-A-D) electronic structure, the unimolecular system not only behaviored as a chemotherapeutic agent but also exhibited good PTT and NIR-Ⅱ FLI abilities. The hydrophobic agent NM was encapsulated by DSPE-PEG2000 to generate the nano-platform NM-NPs. The current study on in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that NM-NPs make vessels visualize clearly in the NIR-II zone and achieve complete tumor elimination through chemo-photothermal synergistic treatment. Overall, this study provides a new innovative strategy for developing superior, versatile phototheranostics for cancer theranostics.