Conjugated-polyelectrolyte-based polyprodrug: targeted and image-guided photodynamic and chemotherapy with on-demand drug release upon irradiation with a single light source.

Nanomaterials that combine diagnostic and therapeutic functions within a single nanoplatform are highly desirable for molecular medicine. Herein we report a novel theranostic platform based on a conjugated-polyelectrolyte (CPE) polyprodrug that contains functionality for image, chemo- and photodynamic therapy (PDT), and on-demand drug release upon irradiation with a single light source. Specifically, the PEGylated CPE serves as a photosensitizer and a carrier, and is covalently conjugated to doxorubicin through a linker that can be cleaved by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under appropriate light irradiation, the CPE can generate ROS, not only for PDT, but also for on-demand drug release and chemotherapy. This nanoplatform will offer on-demand PDT and chemotherapy with drug release triggered by one light switch, which has great potential in cancer treatment.