Bioorthogonal click-to-release reaction for regulating iodo-BODIPY PDT probe

In this study, we synthesized six tetrazine-dipyrromethene boron difluoride (BODIPY) probes and achieved a remarkable up to 14-fold increase in singlet oxygen yield via tetrazine bioorthogonal click-to-release reactions. We systematically investigated the photodynamic activity of these probes, revealing crucial structure-activity relationships. Additionally, we evaluated the stability and release kinetics of these probes and identified P5 and P6 as ideal candidates for photodynamic therapy in live cells. This innovative strategy opens new avenues for fine-tuning the photodynamic properties of BODIPY dyes, thereby expanding their utility in cancer therapy.