Charge reversible zinc phthalocyanines substituted with amino acids were prepared.
The isoelectric pHs and charge reversal sensitivity of AAZnPcs were regulated.
The charge of AAZnPcs can be responsive to tumor microenvironment.
Charge reversible GluZnPc and OGluZnPc showed enhanced photodynamic activities.
GluZnPc and OGluZnPc are promising photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy.