An ER‐targeted, Viscosity‐sensitive Hemicyanine Dye for the Diagnosis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver and Photodynamic Cancer Therapy by Activating Pyroptosis Pathway

Abstract The concept of molecular design, integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functions, aligns with the general trend of modern medical advancement. Herein, we rationally designed the smart molecule ER‐ZS for endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐targeted diagnosis and treatment in cell and animal models by combining hemicyanine dyes with ER‐targeted functional groups ( p ‐toluenesulfonamide). Owing to its ability to target the ER with a highly specific response to viscosity, ER‐ZS demonstrated substantial fluorescence turn‐on only after binding to the ER, independent of other physiological environments. In addition, ER‐ZS , being a small molecule, allows for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 22378051, 22078050, 22378050, 22090011
• NR
  National Research Foundation of Korea

  Award: 2022R1A2C3005420
• FR
  Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

  Award: DUT22RC(3)025 and DUT22LAB601