Near-infrared ratiometric self-assembled theranostic nanoprobe: imaging and tracking cancer chemotherapy.

We have developed a novel near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent theranostic nanoprobe. Upon reaction with glutathione, it releases a near-infrared fluorophore and chemotherapy drug. Notably, this nanoprobe can selectively kill HeLa and HepG-2 cancer cells over normal HUVEC cells with negligible side effects. Furthermore, this nanoprobe has been successfully applied to real-time fluorescence tracking and imaging cancer therapy in mice.