Enhancing the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) via water-soluble pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular complexes.

A supramolecular nanovesicle was constructed by complexation between pyrophaeophorbide A (PPhA) and water-soluble pillar[5]arene, and then a biotin-pyridinium targeting agent was introduced to its surface. This nanovesicle exhibited reduced aggregation of PPhA photosensitizers and high targeting ability towards cancer cells, thereby leading to excellent therapeutic efficacy under red light.