Encoding Biological Selectivity Through Positional Isomerism of Phosphindole Oxide AIEgens for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy.

Authors

Jianqing Li, Zeyan Zhuang, Yiwen Liao, Ping Jiang, Ben Zhong Tang, Zujin Zhao

Published in

Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.). Pages e74291. Jul 22, 2026. Epub Jul 22, 2026.

Abstract

Discriminating biological targets via their intrinsic biophysical signatures offers a promising alternative to classical lock-and-key recognition, yet remains constrained by simplistic design. Herein, we present a programmable molecular strategy that leverages configurational isomerism on a phosphindole oxide (PIO) scaffold as a decisive variable for encoding biological selectivity. Strategic substitution at geometrically defined positions generates isomeric pairs with distinct conformational preferences, aqueous self-assembly behaviors, and surface electrostatic landscapes. These isomer-dependent divergences translate into sharply differentiated biological staining patterns. One isomer enables selective labeling of cancer over normal mammalian cells and preferential engagement with bacterial versus mammalian cells, while its counterpart functions as a broad-spectrum staining agent. By integrating with the inherent photodynamic activity of the PIO framework, we achieve effective tumor suppression and accelerated healing of infected wounds in vivo with favorable biosafety. This work establishes positional isomerism as a generalizable design dimension for encoding biophysical selectivity, providing molecular-level guidance for next-generation theranostic and precision medicine platforms.

PMID:
42484464
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 22 Jul 2026.

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