Unlocking Phthalonitrile-Based Type I Photosensitizer Through D-A Modulation to Promote Electron Transfer.

Authors

Xia Ling, Zhiyao Li, Chongzhi Wu, Yufu Tang, Zesen Lin, Siqin Chen, Wentao Song, Bowen Li, Bin Liu

Published in

Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.). Pages e74143. Jul 17, 2026. Epub Jul 17, 2026.

Abstract

Type І photosensitizers (PSs) offer a promising strategy to overcome tumor hypoxia in photodynamic therapy (PDT) owing to their minimal oxygen dependence. However, their rational design remains elusive due to insufficient understanding of structure-property relationships. Herein, we leverage donor-π bridge-acceptor (D-π-A) conjugate modulation to design phthalonitrile-based Type І PSs through the systematic regulation of four critical parameters, including ΔE_ST, T₁ energy level, redox potential and steric hindrance, thereby optimizing efficient electron transfer pathway. These PSs exhibit aggregate-induced Type І reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, driven by favorable intermolecular electronic interactions. Among them, DTPCH₃ demonstrates the highest Type І ROS production, attributed to its minimal ΔE_S1-T2 and the most effective intermolecular electron transfer interactions. Upon encapsulation with amphiphilic polymer F127, DTPCH₃ nanoparticles (DTPCH₃_NPs) retain efficient O₂ ^•- and HO• generation, resulting in potent cancer cell ablation and good hypoxic tolerance. In vivo studies further confirm significant tumor suppression by DTPCH₃_NPs. Overall, this work establishes a molecular design strategy for Type I PSs, opening new avenues for the development of next-generation PDT agents.

PMID:
42464781
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 17 Jul 2026.

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