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Updated: Dec 24, 2025
Photodynamic Therapy with Blended Conducting Polymer/Fullerene Nanoparticle Photosensitizers
Published on: October 28, 2015
Functional peptide-based nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy
Kai Han1, Zhaoyu Ma, Heyou Han
1State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Science, Bio-Medical Center of Huazhong Agricultural University, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China. hyhan@mail.hzau.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Photodynamic therapy as a non-invasive approach has obtained great research attention during the last decade. However, photodynamic therapy still suffers from low tumor selectivity and therapeutic inefficacy due to the unspecific distribution of photosensitizers in normal tissues/cells. To overcome these hurdles, functional peptides have been introduced in photodynamic therapy systems due to their advantages of functional diversity, bioactivity, high biocompatibility and biodegradability. Herein, we review various peptide-based self-assemblies or hybrid nanoparticles that have already been reported to achieve tumor tissue, cell or subcellular organelle targeted photodynamic therapy. The role of tumor microenvironments, cellular/subcellular location, and physical/chemical properties of peptide-based nanoparticles in facilitating the photodynamic therapy efficiency are discussed in-depth. The novel development of peptide-based nanoparticles described here should offer great potential to achieve better photodynamic therapy in tumors.
Insights
Functional peptides enhance photodynamic therapy (PDT) by creating targeted nanoparticles. This approach improves tumor selectivity and therapeutic efficacy, overcoming limitations of traditional PDT methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising non-invasive cancer treatment.
- Current PDT faces challenges with low tumor selectivity and efficacy due to non-specific photosensitizer distribution.
- Functional peptides offer a solution with their diverse bioactivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review peptide-based self-assemblies and hybrid nanoparticles for targeted photodynamic therapy.
- To explore the role of tumor microenvironments and nanoparticle properties in enhancing PDT.
- To highlight the potential of peptide-based nanoparticles for improved tumor treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on peptide-based nanoparticles for targeted PDT.
- Analysis of how tumor microenvironments influence nanoparticle performance.
- Discussion of the impact of nanoparticle physical and chemical properties on PDT efficiency.
Main Results:
- Peptide-based self-assemblies and hybrid nanoparticles demonstrate potential for targeted PDT.
- Tumor microenvironment characteristics significantly affect the efficacy of targeted nanoparticles.
- Nanoparticle properties are crucial for optimizing drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes in PDT.
Conclusions:
- Peptide-based nanoparticles represent a significant advancement in targeted photodynamic therapy.
- Understanding nanoparticle-tumor interactions is key to maximizing therapeutic benefits.
- This approach holds great promise for improving the effectiveness of PDT in cancer treatment.
