Next-generation supramolecular photosensitizers based on coordination-driven self-assembly for therapeutic...

Photosensitizers (PSs) that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light irradiation are pivotal for biomedical applications owing to precise spatiotemporal control, negligible drug resistance, and minimal side effects. Yet conventional PSs often suffer from complex synthesis, low ROS quantum yields, and aggregation-induced ROS quenching. Coordination-driven self-assembly offers an efficient strategy to address these issues by combining metal acceptors with photosensitizing ligands to yield discrete, tunable supramolecular architectures. Heavy-atom effects from metal centers enhance intersystem crossing and ROS generation, while rigid, charged frameworks mitigate aggregation-caused ROS quenching and improve cellular or bacterial uptake. Incorporation of long-wavelength ligands further increases therapeutic penetration. These features enable broad applications in bioimaging, photodynamic therapy (PDT), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and multimodal treatments. This review summarizes recent advances in the rational design of supramolecular PSs, covering fundamental principles, representative synthetic strategies, and state-of-the-art anticancer and antibacterial applications, including chemo-photodynamic combination therapy, photothermal-photodynamic dual therapy, and photoactivated immunotherapy. Remaining challenges and future opportunities are highlighted to guide the development of next-generation supramolecular PSs for clinical translation. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Supramolecular photosensitizers (PSs) assembled via coordination-driven strategies offer a promising platform for light-mediated biomedical therapies. By integrating metal centers and photosensitizing ligands, these systems enhance ROS generation, suppress aggregation-caused quenching, and enable tunable architectures with improved biological performance. This review highlights recent progress in the design and therapeutic applications of supramolecular PSs, providing insights that may advance their clinical translation for cancer and antibacterial treatments.