Intramolecular charge transfer endows near-infrared mitochondrial targeted photosensitizers with enhanced...

Fluorescence-imaging guided photodynamic therapy (FLI-PDT) has been enhanced by the rapid development of luminogens with AIE characteristics (AIEgens), which possess dual functions of imaging and PDT capabilities. Here, we provide a reformulated AIEgens, named TTPE, by enhancing the intramolecular charge-transfer ability with theoretical guidance. TTPE was empowered with extended coplanar conjugation and strengthened electron donor-acceptor (D-A) intensity, resulting in redshifted near-infrared emission as well as improved singlet oxygen (¹O₂) yield. TTPE was used to visualize the differences in ROS and ¹O₂ dynamics by tracking the instantaneous flow over time and depicting mitochondrial morphological changes in LPS-stimulated H9C2 cells. Given its selectivity for cancer cells over normal cells, the PDT efficacy of TTPE was evaluated using both CCK-8 and cytometry analyses. Results show that TTPE achieved remarkable PDT efficiency against LM3 cells compared to normal LO2 cells, using a portable white flashlight (700 mW/cm²). In summary, TTPE would work as a promising theragnostic system to fight against cancer, and the design strategy would shed light on other systems.