Organic AIE material based on D-π-A for detecting lipid droplets in living cells and its application in photodynamic therapy

Organic AIE nanostructures are extremely important fluorescent dyes for imaging-guided photosensitizing therapy, which are capable of imaging organelles and producing ROS well, however, it remains difficulties nowadays. Here we disclose the development and assembly of a NIR AIE nanoparticle (MeTTSN) by multiple assembling chemical engineering for utilization in cellular LDs, with accurate dynamic monitoring (Pearson's coefficient of 0.981) and suitable particle size distribution (267.04 nm) in PBS solution, effective Stokes shifts (91 nm), valuable quantum yield (5.88%) in water and high bioactivity and stability, superior self-assembly and incredibly 1O2 and ROS generation. Moreover, under white light irradiation, the MeTTSN, as an ideal PS, displayed superior photosensitivity for active HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the end up living cells' co-staining imaging and flow cytometry revealed that MeTTSN could actively suppress cell growth and cause or lead to cell death. Overall, the current study presents a feasible method for LDs targeting chemical bioengineering and highlights the importance of organic AIE materials PSs medication throughout the healthcare and fluorescent imaging-guided PDT area.