Heparin-folate-retinoic acid bioconjugates for targeted delivery of hydrophobic photosensitizers

► Heparin-folate-retinoic acid bioconjugates for targeted delivery of a photosensitizer. ► The bioconjugates could self-assemble and encapsulate the photosensitizer. ► The bioconjugates showed targeted anti-cancer effect of retinoic acid. ► Pheo A in the nanoparticles showed remarkable phototoxicity and targeting effects.