Table 2 Representative ICG-relative nanoparticles mentioned in review

DSPE-PEG-RGD@ICG

Attaching RGD peptide to DSPE-PEGMal via a Michael addition reaction and encapsulated ICG

Active targeting to GC, and micelles were used to extend the circulation time in vivo

Active targeting of gastric cancer and micelles for prolongation of circulation time in vivo

Shao et al. 2020)

RGD-PEG-ss-PCL micelles

A drug nanocarrier PEG-ss-PCL with redox response, and grafted RGD peptide to the carboxyl modified PEG

EPR effect and the active targeting of RGD, in the tumour microenvironment and NIR laser irradiation, the disulfide bond cleavage releases DOC and ICG

Increase the solubility of drugs, improve the targeting of tumours and reduce systemic toxicity

Ren et al. 2021)

P(EF-PLLA) nanoparticles

Anti-CEA was covalently conjugated to the nanoparticles through the surface carboxylate groups

The encapsulation of the NIR fluorescent dye within the P(EF-PLLA) improves significantly the photostability of the dye

The anti-CEA-conjugated NIR fluorescent nanoparticles may be very useful for tumour diagnosis in vivo

Kolitz-Domb et al. 2014)

ssSM3E/800CW

CEA-targeted near-infrared fluorescent tracer, based on a disulphide stabilized single-chain antibody fragment

Cell and tissue binding characteristics and dosing using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, cell-based plate assays

Could clearly identify tumour tissue after injection

Boonstra et al. 2015)

ICNPs

A core–shell nanostructure consisting of an ICG-polymeric core and cancer cell membrane shell

Good monodispersity, preferable photothermal response, and excellent FL/PA imaging properties

Specific recognition, long blood circulation, and immune escaping

Chen et al. 2016)

RMDI

Composed of the RGD peptide, melanin-coated magnetic nanoparticles, DOX and ICG

Biological active targeting by RGD and physical magnetic targeting by an external magnetic field at tumour tissues

Synergistic PTT/chemotherapy, the dual-stimuli-responsive and dual-targeting nanotheranostic agent completely ablated tumour in vivo

He et al. 2021)

AuIP-RGD nanocapsules

Nanoparticles loaded with AuNCs, ICG and conjugate RGD peptides onto the surface

Actively targeted dual-modal imaging and photothermal therapy, one-photon and two-photon imaging techniques

A unique combination of the one-photon/two-photon fluorescence imaging and highly effective photothermal

Gu et al. 2016)

ICG-HANP/SWCNTs (IHANPT)

A CD44-targeted photoacoustic by conjugating ICG to hyaluronic acid nanoparticles encapsulated with carbon nanotubes

Photoacoustic imaging and photothermal and photodynamic therapy properties

Significant tumour growth inhibition and marked induction of tumour cell death and necrosis

Wang et al. 2016)

R&HV-Gd@ICG

RGD pentapeptide/hollow virus-like gadolinium-based ICG

Generated more reactive oxygen species under X-ray irradiation, improved RT sensitivity, and reduced tumour progression

Improved aqueous stability, tumour retention, target specificity of ICG, and achieves outstanding magnetic resonance

Yang et al. 2022)

CMCh-BAPE-RGD@ICG

Chemical link carboxymethyl chitosan and 4-hydroxymethyl pinacol phenyl borate for encapsulation of ICGs and linking with RGDs

RGD polypeptides are conjugated on the surface to achieve active targeting ability of the nanosystem

Illustrate the location and margin of the SGC7901 tumour through NIR imaging in comparison

Shao et al. 2021)

CSI@Ex-A

A biodegradable nanoplatform is fabricated by encapsulating catalase into silica nanoparticles for tumour hypoxia relief, and then loaded with ICG

Highly expressed glutathione triggers biodegradation of the nanoplatform and the released CAT catalyses hydrogen peroxide to relieve tumour hypoxia

The GSH depletion and O2self-supplying effectively enhances the SDT efficiency both in vitro and in vivo

Wu et al. 2022)

Cal/ICG@MPs

Tumour cell-derived microparticles co-delivering calcipotriol and ICG

Target tumour tissues and regulate CAFs to reduce tumour extracellular matrix, resulting in enhanced tumour accumulation and to generate strong PTT efficacy

Ameliorates CAF-induced antigen-mediated activation-induced cell death of tumour-specific CD8 + T cells in response to PTT

Li et al. 2022)