Zinc Phthalocyanine Nanoassemblies Regulated by Polyethylene Glycol Chains for Synergistic Phototherapy

Modulating the structure of nanoassemblies to achieve the desired properties remains a challenge. In this study, we present a strategy for regulating nanoassembly by introducing different numbers of polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to control the self-assembly behavior of zinc phthalocyanine. The morphology, water solubility, and optical properties of nanoassemblies can be effectively tuned by adjusting assembly behaviors. Notably, zinc phthalocyanine nanoassemblies with four PEG chains (Pc4 NPs) showed the highest reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency and photothermal capacity. Furthermore, the incorporation of PEG chains enhanced the water solubility of nanoassemblies, thereby promoting their accumulation at the tumor site. This study provides a simple and feasible strategy for constructing nanomaterials with tunable optical properties.