 This study has developed a novel method for controlling the photophysical properties of heptomethine cyanines, size 7. The researchers modified the nitrogen atom on the compound with functional groups, which allowed them to attach different metals such as manganese, iron, and others. They found that these metals can alter the fluorescent emission intensity and photo stability of the compounds. Additionally, the researchers discovered that the metal, chelated compounds were more effective at generating heat than the unmodified compound. This means that the metal chelated compounds have potential applications in photothermal therapies and chemodynamic therapies. This article was authored by Junfei Zhu, Geng He, Peng Heng Chen, and others.