An alkaline phosphatase-activatable photosensitizer based on 2-anthrol for selective targeting of cancer cells

2-Anthrol (2) was found to induce protein degradation under neutral conditions and without the need for additives upon visible light irradiation. Based on this simple and small scaffold, a novel photosensitizer 4 was designed and synthesized, which is specifically activated by the tumor-associated biomarker alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Upon visible light exposure, 4 exhibited selective photo-cytotoxicity toward cancer cells overexpressing ALP, demonstrating its potential as a targeted phototherapeutic agent.