Design and Application of Conjugated Oligomers for Imaging and Anticancer and Antibacterial Treatment

The excessive use of antibiotics and the rise in resistant strains have significantly contributed to increased mortality rates associated with tumors and infectious diseases, posing a severe threat to public health. Consequently, there is an urgent need to enhance detection and treatment strategies for critical diseases, including cancer and pathogenic microorganisms. Conjugated oligomers, formed by a limited number of repeating conjugated units linked through covalent bonds, exhibit a high potential for various applications in biological monitoring and disease diagnosis due to their controllable molecular weight, precise molecular structure, and excellent photostability. Therefore, it is particularly essential to design and optimize the structure of conjugated oligomers to improve their biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy. In this review article, we summarize recent advancements in applying conjugated oligomers in imaging, cancer therapy, and antibacterial treatment. Furthermore, this article critically examines the challenges in their biological applications, underscoring the need for continued innovation.