Self-quenchable biofunctional nanoparticles of heparin-folate-photosensitizer conjugates for photodynamic therapy

► Novel amphiphilic polysaccharide/photosensitizer conjugates for photodynamic therapy. ► Chemical conjugation of heparin with pheophobide a and folate. ► The conjugates self-assemble to form nanoparticles with self-quenchable properties. ► The nanoparticles exhibit marked phototoxicity and minimal dark toxicity.