Supramolecular assembly boosting the phototherapy performances of BODIPYs

This review provides a detailed analysis of various supramolecular assembly approaches for BODIPYs in enhancing single or combined therapies of PDT and PTT over recent years. Furthermore, their substantial contributions to anti-cancer therapy are highlighted and illustrated. [Display omitted] •Supramolecular assembly can effectively overcome the limitations of BODIPYs and boosted their phototherapy performances.•Supramolecular assembly improved the water solubility and biocompatibility of BODIPYs.•Supramolecular assembly enhanced their penetration into deeper tissues, increased its permeability and retention in tumor environments.•Supramolecular assembly boosted the yields of reactive oxygen species and photothermal conversion efficiencies of BODIPYs.•BODIPY-based supramolecular systems are poised to significantly advance and play a growing role in anti-tumor treatments. Phototherapies, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), have emerged as leading research areas in chemistry, materials science, and medicine. Boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) is renowned for its exceptional photophysical properties as a photosensitizer. However, limitations such as poor water solubility and biocompatibility, and a tendency to aggregate in aqueous phase and solid states, have significantly hindered its applications in PDT or PTT. Fortunately, advancements in supramolecular assembly have introduced innovative approaches to overcome these challenges. The strategies of supramolecular assembly have effectively improved the water solubility and biocompatibility of BODIPYs, enhanced its penetration into deeper tissues, increased its permeability and retention in tumor environments, and boosted both the yields of reactive oxygen species and photothermal conversion efficiencies. This review details various supramolecular assembling strategies for BODIPYs, addressing both current issues and challenges for their applications in single or combined PDT and PTT therapies. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive and timely resource for those interested in exploring the potential of BODIPY-based supramolecular phototherapies. With ongoing developments in the rational design of supramolecular assemblies, BODIPY-based supramolecular systems are poised to significantly advance and play a growing role in anti-tumor treatments.