An estradiol-functionalized red-emissive photosensitizer for enhanced and precise photodynamic therapy of breast cancers

In this work, we developed a red-absorbing photosensitizer (NBS-ER) with specific targeting ability toward estrogen receptors (ER). NBS-ER could specifically bind the overexpressed ER in breast cancers to increase its accumulation, thereby amplifying the photodynamic therapeutic effect. With the aid of red fluorescence from NBS-ER, imaging-guided therapy could be achieved. An estrogen receptor-targeted red-emissive photosensitizer was developed with enhanced PDT efficacy and imaging-guided ability in the therapy of breast cancers.