Design and synthesis of a NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1-activatable photosensitiser for controlled photodynamic therapy

The utilisation of enzymes as stimuli can activate theranostic agents in a highly specific manner. We report herein a far-red-absorbing boron dipyrromethene-based photosensitiser that is responsive towards the cancer-associated human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, enabling the controlled restoration of photodynamic activity for selective elimination of cancer cells. A far-red-absorbing photosensitiser that can be activated by human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 has been designed, synthesised and examined for its in vitro and in vivo responsive properties.