Lactose-functionalized photosensitizer nanoparticles derived from thiophene-fused BODIPY for NIR-imaging-guided photodynamic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Four near-infrared photosensitizers ( THTB , TBrTB , PHTB , and PBrTB ) based on thiophene-fused, BODIPY-conjugated, liver tumor-targeting lactose were synthesized. These photosensitizers generate ROS in hepatocellular carcinoma and induce apoptosis.