Responsive Assembly of Upconversion Nanoparticles for pH‐Activated and Near‐Infrared‐Triggered Photodynamic Therapy of Deep Tumors

Abstract Upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)‐mediated photodynamic therapy has shown great effectiveness in increasing the tissue‐penetration depth of light to combat deep‐seated tumors. However, the inevitable phototoxicity to normal tissues resulting from the lack of tumor selectivity remains as a major challenge. Here, the development of tumor‐pH‐sensitive photodynamic nanoagents (PPNs) comprised of self‐assembled photosensitizers grafted pH‐responsive polymeric ligands and UCNPs is reported. Under neutral pH conditions, photosensitizers aggregated in the PPNs are self‐quenched; however, upon entry into a tumor microenvironment with lower pH, the PPNs not only exhibit enhanced tumor‐cell internalization due to charge reversal but also are further disassembled into well‐dispersed nanoparticles in the endo/lysosomes of tumor cells, enabling the efficient activation of photosensitizers. The results demonstrate the attractive properties of both UCNP‐mediated deep‐tissue penetration of light and high therapeutic selectivity in vitro and in vivo.