Acidic pH-triggered AIE nanoparticles covalently cross-linking for enhanced tumor imaging and photodynamic therapy

Key Points

• The research aims to develop pH-responsive nanoparticles for enhanced tumor imaging and therapeutic efficacy.
• Synthesis of acidic pH-responsive polymers, PCL-PAE-DBCO and PCL-PAE-N3.
• Evaluation of nanoparticle accumulation and retention at tumor sites.
• Assessment of tumor imaging efficacy and photodynamic therapy outcomes.
• Nanoparticles showed significant accumulation at tumor sites compared to non-responsive counterparts.
• Enhanced imaging clarity and tumor response to photodynamic therapy were observed.
• Covalent cross-linking improved stability and therapeutic effectiveness of the nanoparticles.