The Application of Photodynamics Therapy and Tumor Tracing by IR820-Based Nanoparticles Targeting Cancer Cells

IR820 is a molecule that emits intense fluorescence in the near-infrared (750-1700 nm) region and can efficiently absorb near-infrared light, converting it into thermal energy, making it powerful in tumor photothermal therapy. However, the nonspecific biodistribution of free IR820 in vivo and the limited tissue penetration depth of light reduce its overall therapeutic efficacy, highlighting the need for further optimization strategies. To address this problem, researchers have engineered IR820 with various nanomaterials to construct nanoplatforms that enable targeted delivery to tumor cells. This review summarizes the applications of IR820-based nanoplatforms in cancer photothermal and photodynamic therapies, with a particular focus on their therapeutic advantages and the current challenges.