Aggregation induced emission luminogen bacteria hybrid bionic robot for multimodal phototheranostics and immunotherapy

Liwei Zhu, Guangjie Song, Wentian Zhang, Yifan Wu, Yuling Chen, Jiayi Song, Deliang Wang, Guoxin Li (), Ben Zhong Tang () and Ying Li ()
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Liwei Zhu: Guangzhou Medical University
Guangjie Song: Shenzhen University
Wentian Zhang: Guangzhou Medical University
Yifan Wu: Guangzhou Medical University
Yuling Chen: Guangzhou Medical University
Jiayi Song: Guangzhou Medical University
Deliang Wang: Huzhou University
Guoxin Li: Tsinghua University
Ben Zhong Tang: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Ying Li: Guangzhou Medical University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Abstract Multimodal phototheranostics utilizing single molecules offer a “one-and-done” approach, presenting a convenient and effective strategy for cancer therapy. However, therapies based on conventional photosensitizers often suffer from limitations such as a single photosensitizing mechanism, restricted tumor penetration and retention, and the requirement for multiple irradiations, which significantly constrain their application. In this report, we present an aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) bacteria hybrid bionic robot to address above issues. This bionic robot is composed of multifunctional AIEgen (INX-2) and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), i.e., EcN@INX-2. The EcN@INX-2 bionic robot exhibits near-infrared II (NIR-II) fluorescence emission and demonstrates efficient photodynamic and photothermal effects, as well as tumor-targeting capabilities. These features are facilitated by the complementary roles of INX-2 and EcN. The robot successfully enables in vivo multimodal imaging and therapy of colon cancer models in female mice through various mechanisms, including the activation of anti-tumor immunity, as well as photodynamic and photothermal therapy. Our study paves an avenue for designing multifunctional diagnostic agents for targeted colon cancer therapy through image-guided combinational immunotherapy.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57533-y

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