A trident-like multi-cationic photosensitizer with stabilized membrane camouflage for efficient tumor-targeted photodynamic therapy

Abstract

We develop a unique trident-like multi-cationic photosensitizer (PS) with an acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A) structure to enhance photodynamic therapy (PDT). The design minimizes PS leakage from membrane camouflaged nanoparticles (<1% in 24 h) via hydrophilic anchoring, while boosting ROS generation (13.8-fold higher ¹O₂ than Rose Bengal) through excited state optimization, thus significantly improving tumor-targeted PDT efficiency.