TF and neoplasm: To overcome the weak water solubility and low tumor-targeting effectiveness of IR780 iodide, Wang et al. conjugated IR780 to transferrin (Tf), followed by self-assembly into IR780-loaded Tf nanoparticles (NPs) for targeted imaging and PDT/PTT, with photothermal response as well as singlet oxygen generation under 808 nm laser irradiation [90].