Visible Light-Triggered Single-Component Photocage Nanoparticles for Combinatorial Photodynamic Therapy and Chemotherapy

Light-triggered chemo-PDT combinatorial therapy is an appealing strategy to advance therapeutic effectiveness and reduce cellular resistance. Herein, we are reporting visible light-activated single-component fluorescent organic nanoparticles (Acr-Cbl nano) based on a π-extended acridine photocage for the combinatorial treatment of chemotherapy and PDT. The high ROS (1O2) generation ability of Acr-Cbl nano, along with the delivery of the anticancer drug chlorambucil, exhibits a combinatorial effect in killing the cancer cells (LN18 glioblastoma) under visible light irradiation. In vitro studies demonstrate that Acr-Cbl nanocrystals can internalize inside the LN18 cells and show enhanced photocytotoxicity, leading to apoptotic cell death.