Patent ID: 7682603

Claim:
A polymersome comprising: (i) a plurality of amphiphilic copolymers comprising amphiphilic block copolymers that comprise at least one hydrophilic polymer bonded to at least one hydrophobic polymer; and (ii) at least one visible- or near infrared-emissive agent that is dispersed within the polymersome membrane, where said emissive agent emits light in the 700-1100 nm spectral regime and where said emissive agent is an emissive conjugated compound comprising at least two covalently bound moieties; whereby upon exposing said compound to an energy source for a time and under conditions effective to cause said compound to emit light that at a wavelength between 700-1100 nm, said compound exhibits an integral emission oscillator strength that is greater than the emission oscillator strength manifest by either one of the said moieties individually; wherein said emissive agent comprises at least two porphyrin moieties, said porphyrin moieties being linked by a hydrocarbon bridge comprising at least one unsaturated moiety.