Sequential Diagnosis and Treatment for Colon Cancer via Derived Iridium and Indocyanine Green Hybrid Nanomicelles

Fine-tuning the side-chain length of iridium(III) complexes for enhanced Photophysical properties in Cancer Theranostics

Cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes have emerged as versatile candidates for cancer theranostics, offering integrated diagnostic imaging and potent singlet oxygen (1O2) generation for photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, their application has been limited by subdued photoluminescence, primarily due to intramolecular motion-induced excited energy dissipation. In this study, we address these limitations through the design and synthesis of five novel iridium(III) complexes: IrC2, IrC4, IrC6, IrC8, and IrC12. Our approach employs meticulous side-chain extending strategy to modulate side-chain length, thereby reducing intramolecular motion and significantly enhancing both one- and three-photon emissions and 1O2 production in the aggregated state. Detailed photophysical investigations, supported by crystallographic insights, reveal that side-chain elongation substantially amplifies these properties. Among the synthesized complexes, IrC8 stands out as a superior candidate for image-guided photodynamic therapy in cellular and 3D tumor spheroid models. This investigation pioneers the simultaneous enhancement of dual-photon emissions and PDT efficacy through a novel side-chain extension strategy in iridium(III) complexes, paving the way for their translational application in clinical theranostics.

In vivo self-assembled albumin nanoparticle elicit antitumor immunity of PD-1 inhibitor by imaging and clearing tumor-associated macrophages

Eliciting anti-tumor immune responses and improving the tumor microenvironment crucial for boosting the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the primary types of immune cells infiltrating tumors, play a critical role in the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In this study, we constructed a novel Evans Blue (EB)-based in vivo self-assembled nanocarrier system, mUNO-EB-ICG-Fc@Alb nanoparticles (designated as MA NPs), for targeted imaging and clearance of M2-TAMs to elicit antitumor immunotherapy of PD-1 inhibitor. In vitro experiments demonstrated the specific fluorescence imaging and killing effect of MA NPs on M2-TAMs. In vivo experiments shown that MA NPs-induced chemodynamic therapy (CDT) successfully reversed the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (ITM), promoted intratumoral infiltration of T lymphocytes, and ultimately enhancing the anti-tumor immunotherapy effect of PD-1 inhibitors. This study might provide good inspiration for improving the therapeutic efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

Shining New Light on Biological Systems: Luminescent Transition Metal Complexes for Bioimaging and Biosensing Applications

Luminescence imaging is a powerful and versatile technique for investigating cell physiology and pathology in living systems, making significant contributions to life science research and clinical diagnosis. In recent years, luminescent transition metal complexes have gained significant attention for diagnostic and therapeutic applications due to their unique photophysical and photochemical properties. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the recent development of luminescent transition metal complexes for bioimaging and biosensing applications, with a focus on transition metal centers with a d6, d8, and d10 electronic configuration. We elucidate the structure-property relationships of luminescent transition metal complexes, exploring how their structural characteristics can be manipulated to control their biological behavior such as cellular uptake, localization, biocompatibility, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution. Furthermore, we introduce the various design strategies that leverage the interesting photophysical properties of luminescent transition metal complexes for a wide variety of biological applications, including autofluorescence-free imaging, multimodal imaging, organelle imaging, biological sensing, microenvironment monitoring, bioorthogonal labeling, bacterial imaging, and cell viability assessment. Finally, we provide insights into the challenges and perspectives of luminescent transition metal complexes for bioimaging and biosensing applications, as well as their use in disease diagnosis and treatment evaluation.

Theranostics: a multifaceted approach utilizing nano-biomaterials

Biomaterials play a vital role in targeting therapeutics. Over the years, several biomaterials have gained wide attention in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases. Scientists are trying to make more personalized treatments for different diseases, as well as discovering novel single agents that can be used for prognosis, medication administration, and keeping track of how a treatment works. Theranostics based on nano-biomaterials have higher sensitivity and specificity for disease management than conventional techniques. This review provides a concise overview of various biomaterials, including carbon-based materials like fullerenes, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carbon nanofibers, and their involvement in theranostics of different diseases. In addition, the involvement of imaging techniques for theranostics applications was overviewed. Theranostics is an emerging strategy that has great potential for enhancing the accuracy and efficacy of medicinal interventions. Despite the presence of obstacles such as disease heterogeneity, toxicity, reproducibility, uniformity, upscaling production, and regulatory hurdles, the field of medical research and development has great promise due to its ability to provide patients with personalised care, facilitate early identification, and enable focused treatment.