In response to the limitations of single-mode photodynamic therapy, such as tissue penetration depth of light and the hypoxic tumor environment, we have developed various single-molecule transition metal complexes and their nanocomposites. These complexes are applied in near-infrared II and ultrasound-activated synergistic antitumor therapies, including photodynamic, photothermal, and sonodynamic therapies. By utilizing strategies such as synergistic activation, drug formulation, and drug delivery, we have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the therapeutic agents.

Feng Gao received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Nankai University and his Ph.D. from Sun Yat-Sen University. He conducted postdoctoral research at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He is currently a Professor at the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resources, College of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, China. He leads a multidisciplinary research group focused on bioinorganic and coordination chemistry. His research interests include the development of fluorescent and phosphorescent transition metal complexes for multi-modal synergistic cancer therapies and imaging (including photodynamic, sonodynamic, photothermal, and chemotherapy); the recognition of HIV TAR RNA and investigation of the activity and mechanism of anti-HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors; and exploring the relationships among molecular structure, photophysical/photochemical properties, and biological activity through quantum chemical theoretical calculations.