A Dual Anticancer Efficacy Molecule: A Selective Dark Cytotoxicity Photosensitizer

Unlike traditional binary nanostructures that construct chemotherapy drugs and photodynamic therapy photosensitizers, we introduce a molecule with a chemo-photodynamic dual therapy function. A water-soluble aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIRE) fluorogen, NV-12P, was designed and synthesized based on asymmetric 1,6-disubstituted naphthalene and can generate particular reactive oxygen species to undergo type I photodynamic therapy under irradiation. Furthermore, this compound can specifically localize in mitochondria and, after biological evaluation, can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and potent cytotoxicity to cancer cells but not normal cells. We conclude that this compound is a potential dual-toxic, efficacy molecule because it exhibits selective dark cytotoxicity and efficient photodamage in cancer cells. Additionally, we also supported the optimal combinational treatment course for the best chemo-phototherapy efficacy.