A Mitochondria-Targeted NIR-II Molecule Fluorophore for Precise Cancer Phototheranostics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Mitochondria play a crucial role in cancer progression.
• Mitochondria-targeted phototheranostics offer precise cancer treatment but face challenges like complex components and limited efficacy.
• The second near-infrared window (NIR-II) offers improved tissue penetration for imaging and therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel molecular fluorophore, IR-TPP-1100, for mitochondria-targeted phototherapy in the NIR-II window.
• To assess IR-TPP-1100's capabilities for dual-modality imaging (fluorescence and photoacoustic) and combined photothermal and photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT).
• To demonstrate the potential of IR-TPP-1100 for precise cancer treatment by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis.

Main Methods:

• Molecular engineering of IR-TPP-1100 with enhanced photophysical properties and mitochondria-targeting ability.
• Utilizing NIR-II fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging for organism-level visualization of mitochondria.
• Integrating PTT and PDT for synergistic tumor treatment.
• Assessing therapeutic efficacy through induction of mitochondrial apoptosis.

Main Results:

• IR-TPP-1100 demonstrated excellent photophysical properties and high photothermal conversion efficiency.
• The fluorophore achieved effective mitochondria targeting and enabled dual-modality NIR-II imaging.
• Combined PTT/PDT treatment with IR-TPP-1100 resulted in significant tumor therapeutic efficacy.
• Mitochondrial apoptosis was successfully induced, confirming the therapeutic mechanism.

Conclusions:

• IR-TPP-1100 is a promising mitochondria-targeting agent for precise cancer therapy in the NIR-II window.
• The developed strategy provides a new approach for creating advanced NIR-II phototheranostic agents.
• This work highlights the potential of molecular engineering for developing effective cancer treatments.