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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Rose Bengal-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy to Inhibit Candida albicans
Published on: March 24, 2022
Photodynamic therapy for pathogenic fungi
Juliana Pereira Lyon1, Leonardo Marmo Moreira, Pedro Claudio Guaranho de Moraes
1Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. julianalyon@yahoo.com.br
Abstract:
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive approach, in which a photosensitiser compound is activated by exposure to visible light. The activation of the sensitiser drug results in several chemical reactions, such as the production of oxygen reactive species and other reactive molecules, whose presence in the biological site leads to the damage of target cells. Although PDT has been primarily developed to combat cancerous lesions, this therapy can be employed for the treatment of several conditions, including infectious diseases. A wide range of microorganisms, including Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi have demonstrated susceptibility to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. This treatment might consist of an alternative to the management of fungal infections. Antifungal photodynamic therapy has been successfully employed against Candida albicans and other Candida species and also against dermatophytes. The strain-dependent antifungal effect and the influence of the biological medium are important issues to be considered. Besides, the choice of photosensitiser to be employed in PDT should consider the characteristics of the fungi and the medium to be treated, as well as the depth of penetration of light into the skin. In the present review, the state-of-the-art of antifungal PDT is discussed and the photosensitiser characteristics are analysed.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a novel approach to combat fungal infections by using light-activated compounds to damage target cells. This review explores antifungal PDT, highlighting photosensitizer selection and treatment considerations for effective microbial control.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Photomedicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment utilizing photosensitizers activated by light to generate reactive oxygen species, damaging target cells.
- While initially developed for cancer, PDT shows efficacy against various microorganisms, including fungi, presenting an alternative for infectious disease management.
- Antifungal PDT has demonstrated success against Candida species and dermatophytes, though strain-specific effects and medium influence require careful consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of antifungal photodynamic therapy.
- To analyze the characteristics of photosensitizers used in antifungal PDT.
- To discuss factors influencing the efficacy of antifungal PDT.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on antifungal photodynamic therapy.
- Analysis of photosensitizer properties and their interaction with fungal cells.
- Examination of treatment parameters, including light penetration and biological medium effects.
Main Results:
- Antifungal PDT is effective against a range of fungal pathogens, including Candida species and dermatophytes.
- Photosensitizer choice is critical and depends on fungal characteristics, treatment medium, and desired light penetration depth.
- Strain-dependent variations in antifungal effects and the influence of the biological environment are key factors.
Conclusions:
- Antifungal photodynamic therapy presents a promising alternative for managing fungal infections.
- Optimizing photosensitizer selection and understanding treatment parameters are crucial for successful clinical application.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and optimize the application of antifungal PDT.
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