Constructing Singlet Oxygen “Slow Release” Platform to Optimize the Performance of Commercial Photosensitizers

Abstract Commercial photosensitizers (PSs) present great potential in the field of clinical photodynamic therapy (PDT) yet face a formidable challenge owing to the extremely short lifespan of singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ). Herein, the 1 O 2 slow‐release “platform” is proposed based on an anthracene‐groups functionalized D‐π‐A system ( AIC ), which can capture and slowly release 1 O 2 produced by commercial PSs. Meanwhile, the reversible chemical process between AIC and 1 O 2 is demonstrated by a series of optical experiments and high‐resolution mass spectrum. Remarkably, by virtue of 1 O 2 slow‐release “platform”, the sustaining mitochondrial autophagy and cell apoptosis still take place when the laser is cut off with a short period of irradiation, reducing the side effect of sustained irradiation. In general, the construction of 1 O 2 slow‐release platform opens up exciting opportunities for improving the PDT effect of commercial PSs.