Abstract
Type-I photodynamic therapy (PDT), valued for its reduced oxygen requirement, generates highly cytotoxic •OH radicals. However, conventional strategies for developing type-I photosensitizers (PSs) are complex and involve intricate organic synthesis. Herein, we present a novel strategy to alter the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by simply manipulating the twisting degree of donor–acceptor (D–A) type aggregation-induced emission (AIE) PSs. Specifically, natural saturated fatty acids are employed to modulate the twisting state of AIE PSs, with higher doping ratios yielding more twisted structures and increased type-I ROS generation. In contrast, fatty acids with higher crystallinity promote planar structures and type-II ROS generation. Theoretical calculations suggest that AIE PSs with highly twisted structures lead to a prominent reduction in ΔEST and effective separation of electron–hole pairs, thereby favoring efficient intersystem crossing and charge transfer. The PDT system primarily driven by type-I ROS exhibits efficient bactericidal activity against clinically drug-resistant bacteria, which remarkably accelerates the recovery of bacteria-infected wounds in mice. This study demonstrates the first example of modulating ROS generation type by manipulating the twisting degree of D–A type AIE PSs, eliminating the need for intricate molecular design and organic synthesis. The proposed strategy opens up new avenues for advancing PDT applications.
Published Version
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