Molecular fluorophore dimerization: a new paradigm for precision phototheranostics

Area of Science:

• Phototheranostics
• Molecular Imaging
• Biophysics

Background:

• Molecular fluorophore dimerization is a novel strategy in phototheranostics.
• Dimeric systems bridge single-molecule precision and collective functionality.
• This review provides a unified analysis of molecular dimerization as a distinct paradigm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze molecular dimerization in phototheranostics.
• To elucidate photophysical mechanisms and structure-activity relationships of dimeric systems.
• To highlight dimer-specific advantages for imaging-guided therapy.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of photophysical mechanisms governing dimerization.
• Analysis of representative dimeric systems across multiple dye families.
• Categorization and analysis of structure-activity relationships.

Main Results:

• Dimerization uniquely regulates excited-state dynamics.
• Dimeric systems exhibit enhanced biophysical performance, including self-assembly and tumor accumulation.
• Dimerization offers functional advantages in imaging-guided therapy.

Conclusions:

• Molecular dimerization represents a distinct intermediate state between single molecules and assemblies.
• This paradigm offers conceptual clarity and design principles for next-generation phototheranostic agents.
• Future directions include artificial-intelligence-assisted molecular design.