Recent Advances in Self-Exciting Photodynamic Therapy
Nicholas Thomas Blum1,2, Yifan Zhang1, Junle Qu2
1Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Evolutionary Theranostics (LET), International Cancer Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|November 16, 2020
Summary
Self-exciting nanoplatforms overcome photodynamic therapy's (PDT) light penetration limits. These "auto-PDT" systems use internal excitation for cancer treatment, offering a new approach beyond conventional methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterial Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA-approved oncological treatment with limitations, primarily shallow light penetration in tissues.
- Conventional PDT requires external light sources, restricting its application in deep-seated tumors.
- Existing PDT methods face challenges in effectively treating various cancers due to light penetration depth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze self-exciting "auto-PDT" nanoplatforms that eliminate the need for external light sources.
- To explore the design principles, excitation mechanisms (chemiluminescence, Cherenkov luminescence), and energy transfer methods (RET, CRET) in auto-PDT.
- To critically evaluate the therapeutic efficiency and necessary qualities for effective auto-PDT platforms from a biomaterial engineering perspective.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of contemporary research on self-propagating PDT nanoplatforms.
- Analysis of excitation mechanisms, including oxidative chemical excitation and radiological excitation.
- Examination of energy transfer processes: Resonance Energy Transfer (RET) and Cherenkov Radiation Energy Transfer (CRET).
Main Results:
- Auto-PDT nanoplatforms demonstrate potential to overcome the light penetration depth limitations of conventional PDT.
- Chemiluminescence and Cherenkov luminescence offer alternative excitation pathways for self-driven PDT.
- Successful auto-PDT platforms rely on efficient energy transfer from excitation source to photosensitizer.
Conclusions:
- Self-exciting auto-PDT nanoplatforms represent a promising advancement in oncological therapy, offering deeper tissue penetration.
- Understanding the interplay between excitation, energy transfer, and photosensitizer activation is crucial for designing effective auto-PDT systems.
- This review provides a biomaterial engineering perspective on the development and optimization of next-generation PDT nanoplatforms.
