Strategic Design of Aptamer‐Guided Aggregation‐Induced Emission Nanoparticles for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy in Breast Cancer

This study presents MF3Ec‐TBPP nanoparticles for targeted photodynamic therapy of Luminal A breast cancer. These nanoparticles combine an AIE‐based photosensitizer with an aptamer. Tests show they effectively inhibit tumor growth while protecting healthy tissue via aggregation and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, indicating potential for improved patient outcomes. Abstract Breast cancer (BC), characterized by its heterogeneity and diverse subtypes, necessitates personalized treatment strategies. This study presents MF3Ec‐TBPP nanoparticles (NPs) as a promising approach, integrating an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐based photosensitizer, TBPP, with the MF3Ec aptamer to enhance targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) for Luminal A subtype BC cells. The nanoparticles also feature a 1, 2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐poly(ethylene glycol) shell and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), which stabilize the structure and inhibit singlet oxygen generation, effectively reducing off‐target effects and protecting healthy tissues. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies validate the NPs’ specificity and effectiveness in targeting MCF‐7 BC cells, achieving significant tumor growth inhibition with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. This study highlights the dual functionality of MF3Ec‐TBPP NPs for both diagnosis and treatment, showcasing their potential to improve patient outcomes through precise diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This study presents MF3Ec-TBPP nanoparticles for targeted photodynamic therapy of Luminal A breast cancer. These nanoparticles combine an AIE-based photosensitizer with an aptamer. Tests show they effectively inhibit tumor growth while protecting healthy tissue via aggregation and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, indicating potential for improved patient outcomes. Abstract Breast cancer (BC), characterized by its heterogeneity and diverse subtypes, necessitates personalized treatment strategies. This study presents MF3Ec-TBPP nanoparticles (NPs) as a promising approach, integrating an aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based photosensitizer, TBPP, with the MF3Ec aptamer to enhance targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) for Luminal A subtype BC cells. The nanoparticles also feature a 1, 2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-poly(ethylene glycol) shell and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), which stabilize the structure and inhibit singlet oxygen generation, effectively reducing off-target effects and protecting healthy tissues. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies validate the NPs’ specificity and effectiveness in targeting MCF-7 BC cells, achieving significant tumor growth inhibition with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. This study highlights the dual functionality of MF3Ec-TBPP NPs for both diagnosis and treatment, showcasing their potential to improve patient outcomes through precise diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Advanced Science, Volume 12, Issue 43, November 20, 2025.