A novel second near-infrared theranostic agent: a win–win strategy of tracing and blocking tumor-associated vessels for oral squamous cell carcinoma

Tumor vessel co-option is a crucial predictor for tumor invasiveness but easy to ignore in vascular targeting therapy. A high density of located alongside the frontier predicted tendency invasion and regional metastasis. Herein, novel second near-infrared (NIR-II) nanoagent (Coi8DFIC-sorafenib nanoparticles, CS NPs [CS NPs]) was constructed with an organic Coi8DFIC dye sorafenib, which demonstrated tissue penetration low autofluorescence, enabling imaging micrometastasis. This nanotherapeutic agent displayed considerably improved quantum yield fluorescence (0.89%), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, fairly good biosafety vivo. Compared indocyanine green (ICG), exhibited better photostability photothermal conversion efficiency. By tracking tumor-associated vessels real-time imaging, could open/stop therapy by laser on/off. The combination disruption imaging-guided therapy/photodynamic provided win–win strategy oral squamous cell carcinoma.