Characterization of aptamer-decorated CPNs. Dynamic light scattering data of CPN-PSPEG (a) and CPN-PSMA (b) before and after EDC COOH-activating reaction and aptamer conjugation. (c) Gel electrophoresis of different CPN-PSMA nanoparticles in 1.5% agarose gel. (d). Upper panel, absorption (solid lines, left axis) and emission (dashed lines, right axis) spectra of a different CPN without PtOEP decorated with CL4, sTN58, sTN29 and SCR aptamers. Lower panel CPNs photosensitized ADPA in the presence of air monitored at 400 nm. Insert: Absorption spectra of the ADPA solution (~4 × 10−5 M) in presence of CPNs (12 mg/L) at different irradiation times with a blue led.