Doping Bulky Fluorinated Organic Anion to Construct Highly Efficient Anion‐π ⁺ Type Photosensitizers for Cancer Phototheranostics

Abstract

Abstract Anion‐π + type photosensitizers with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) feature have demonstrated promising potential in photodynamic therapy (PDT) against cancer. However, previous reports mainly focused on modifying the π + core but often overlooked the crucial role of anions. Herein, we present a facile strategy to modulate the fluorescence intensity and cellular uptake of anion‐π + type AIE photosensitizers by doping bulky fluorinated organic anions into nanoparticles (NPs). Anion‐π + type AIE photosensitizer DPBCF‐Br with different ratios of bulky anions (TB or FTB) were encapsulated into DSPE‐PEG 2000 to obtain NPs (named DF‐TB X or DF‐FTB X , X denotes the molar ratios of TB or FTB to DPBCF‐Br). Expectedly, as the doping molar ratios increased, a progressive enhancement in fluorescence intensity of the obtained NPs was observed. This can be ascribed to the steric effect of bulky organic anions and the formation of a hydrophobic environment within the NPs. Interestingly, the optimal cellular uptake was achieved at X  = 8 in DF‐TB 8 and DF‐FTB 8 , resulting from the balance between lipophilicity and electronegativity. Ultimately, DF‐FTB 8 demonstrated outstanding cellular imaging capabilities and high intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, achieving efficient cancer phototheranostics. This facile bulky anion doping strategy will pave a new way for the construction of robust anion‐π + type photosensitizers.