Photovoltaic molecules with ultra-high light energy utilization for near-infrared laser triggered synergetic photodynamic and photothermal therapy

Abstract

Photovoltaic molecules possess strong absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region and are suitable for NIR laser-triggered phototherapy. Herein, the star molecule IEICO of organic photovoltaic materials, which has a narrow bandgap and large A–D–A conjugated structure, was prepared into water dispersive nanoparticles (NPs) through a simple self-assembly method. The obtained IEICO NPs showed a strong NIR absorption peak at 800 nm and a high ¹O₂ quantum yield of 11% and photothermal conversion efficiency of 85.4% under 808 nm laser irradiation. The ultra-high light energy utilization efficacy (∼96.4%) of the IEICO NPs enables their excellent phototherapeutic effect on tumors. The present work suggested the huge application potential of organic photovoltaic materials in the biomedical field.