Revolutionizing cancer therapies with organic photovoltaic non-fullerene acceptors: A deep dive into molecular engineering for advanced phototheranostics

The integration of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in oncology has given rise to phototheranostics, a field that combines the precision of imaging with the selectivity of light-activated treatments. Due to their pronounced near-infrared (NIR) absorption, tunable molecular structures, and commendable stability, organic photovoltaic non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) represent a promising frontier in cancer management. Despite the great potential of NFAs in phototheranostics, there is currently a lack of systematic reviews in this field. This review provides a meticulous examination of the current state of NFAs in the field of phototheranostics, highlighting the strategic approaches to spectral red-shifting that enhance tissue penetration and therapeutic efficacy. It dissects the link between molecular architecture and performance across key therapeutic and diagnostic modalities, including photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and fluorescence imaging (FLI). In addition, the review presents a concise analysis of the challenges and milestones in the clinical translation of NFAs, offering insights into the innovations required to overcome existing barriers.