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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
A Bright NIR-II Fluorescence Probe for Vascular and Tumor Imaging
Published on: March 17, 2023
Recent advances in NIR-II fluorescence imaging-guided type-I photodynamic therapy
Heng Li1,2, Leilei Tian1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd., Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China,. tianll@sustech.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Phototheranostics, which integrates tissue imaging with phototherapy, has shown considerable promise in the early diagnosis and precision treatment of cancers. However, conventional short-wavelength phototheranostic materials are often constrained by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and limited tissue penetration, resulting in suboptimal performance for deep-seated tumors. Recently, long-wavelength-activated type-I photodynamic therapy (PDT) systems coupled with near-infrared-II (NIR-II) fluorescence have attracted attention due to their improved tissue penetration, high detection sensitivity, and less oxygen-dependent reactive oxygen species generation, positioning them as an ideal platform for treating deep-seated tumors. In this review, we summarize cutting-edge advances in NIR-II fluorescence imaging (FLI)-guided PDT materials, with an emphasis on molecular design strategies and corresponding phototheranostic performance. We also provide in-depth analysis of effective design principles and highlight key breakthroughs in the field. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future prospects for NIR-II emissive photosensitizers, with the goal of advancing the development of NIR-II FLI-guided PDT.
Insights
Near-infrared-II (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers improved deep-tumor treatment. This review details advanced NIR-II PDT materials and their potential for enhanced cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Phototheranostics integrate imaging and therapy for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Conventional short-wavelength phototheranostic materials face limitations in deep-seated tumor treatment due to poor tissue penetration and tumor hypoxia.
- Long-wavelength-activated type-I photodynamic therapy (PDT) with near-infrared-II (NIR-II) fluorescence shows promise for deep tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cutting-edge advances in NIR-II fluorescence imaging (FLI)-guided PDT materials.
- To emphasize molecular design strategies and their impact on phototheranostic performance.
- To discuss challenges and future prospects for NIR-II emissive photosensitizers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on NIR-II FLI-guided PDT materials.
- Analysis of molecular design principles for effective photosensitizers.
- Evaluation of phototheranostic performance in preclinical studies.
Main Results:
- NIR-II FLI-guided PDT systems demonstrate enhanced tissue penetration and high detection sensitivity.
- These systems exhibit less oxygen-dependent reactive oxygen species generation, crucial for hypoxic tumor environments.
- Advanced molecular design strategies are key to optimizing phototheranostic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- NIR-II FLI-guided PDT is an ideal platform for treating deep-seated tumors.
- Further development of NIR-II emissive photosensitizers is crucial for clinical translation.
- This approach holds significant potential for advancing precision cancer therapy.
