Fig. 1

Schematic diagram of the steps for photoimmunoconjugate nanoliposomal irinotecan (PIC–Nal–IRI) synthesis. a Synthesis and cryogenic electron microscopy image of monodispersed nanoliposomal irinotecan (Nal–IRI) with an average size of ~ 150 nm (PdI < 0.1, n > 3). b Benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) was covalently conjugated onto cetuximab (Cet) via carbodiimide chemistry to form photoimmunoconjugate (PIC). Copper-free click chemistry was employed to tether PICs onto Nal–IRI to form PIC–Nal–IRI with an average size of 158.8 ± 15.6 nm (PdI < 0.1, n > 3)