Single-component nanoagents with large Stokes shift for high-effect phototheranostics.

A novel conjugated polymer (DCT) with intrinsic multifunction was designed and synthesized. High-effect phototheranostic nanoagents DCT NPs were further fabricated based on single-component DCT, which displayed large Stokes shift (363 nm), satisfying near-infrared II (NIR-II) fluorescence emission, good photothermal and photodynamic performances. Under illumination of a single 808 nm laser, high therapeutic efficiency of DCT NPs was confirmed by MTT, live-dead staining and flow cytometry assays. Besides, in vivo high quality NIR-II imaging based on DCT NPs was also demonstrated. Overall, this study provides an effective strategy for constructing of high-effect single-component phototheranostic nanoagents. [Display omitted] • The conjugated polymer DCT could be easily obtained via Stille coupling reaction. • The DCT NPs exhibited outstanding NIR-I absorption, satisfying NIR-II fluorescence emission, and large Stokes shift. • DCT NPs displayed superior biocompatibility, good water-solubility, excellent photostability. • DCT NPs could produce toxic ROS and hyperthermia for elimination of tumor cells under a single 808 laser irradiation. • In vivo vascular structure and tumor imaging was successful executed based on DCT NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]