Mitochondria-targeting NIR AIEgens with cationic amphiphilic character for imaging and efficient photodynamic therapy.

A new dual-cationic amphiphilic AIEgen TPhBT-PyP with NIR emission and efficient 1 O 2 generation was designed. The amphiphilicity of TPhBT-PyP was tuned with dual-positive charges of pyridinium and TPP groups, efficiently targeting mitochondria and distinguishing Gram-positive bacteria. TPhBT-PyP performed well in photodynamic therapy, inducing cancer cell apoptosis and killing S . aureus bacteria.