Enzyme-activatable photosensitizing polymer conjugates are disclosed for photochemotherapeutic treatment of human diseases and disorders, bacteriologic or virologic indications, cosmetic applications and other pathologic situations. These polymer conjugates may comprise a polymer carrier, a photosensitizer, a quencher, a targeting molecule and/or a biocompatibilizing unit. These macromolecular conjugates may be designed to guide to the target tissue a photosensitizing agent in an inactive, non-phototoxic form. However, upon entering the target environment, in which certain enzymes are presently active, the conjugate may release its photosensitizers in its fully active form, resulting in a highly localized activation of the photoactive agent. Also described here are methods, compositions and kits for the preparation and testing of such photochemotherapeutic conjugates.
