An AIE probe for long-term plasma membrane imaging and membrane-targeted photodynamic therapy

Two red-emissive luminogens (TPTH and TPTB) with typical aggregation-induced emission characteristics were developed. By introducing the heavy atom of Br at the end of alkyl chain, TPTB exhibited higher reactive oxygen species generation efficiency through both types I and II pathways. Due to its excellent biocompatibility and proper lipophilicity, TPTB could be used for long-term cell membrane staining and this staining ability was independent of the change of plasma membrane potential. Furthermore, TPTB could ablate the cancer cells through cell membrane-targeted photodynamic therapy.(c) 2023 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.