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Updated: Sep 13, 2026
Photodynamic Therapy with Blended Conducting Polymer/Fullerene Nanoparticle Photosensitizers
Published on: October 28, 2015
Recent progress in photosensitizers for overcoming the challenges of photodynamic therapy: from molecular design to
Xueze Zhao1, Jiangping Liu, Jiangli Fan
1State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, 116024 Dalian, China. fanjl@dlut.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a therapeutic mode involving light triggering, has been recognized as an attractive oncotherapy treatment. However, nonnegligible challenges remain for its further clinical use, including finite tumor suppression, poor tumor targeting, and limited therapeutic depth. The photosensitizer (PS), being the most important element of PDT, plays a decisive role in PDT treatment. This review summarizes recent progress made in the development of PSs for overcoming the above challenges. This progress has included PSs developed to display enhanced tolerance of the tumor microenvironment, improved tumor-specific selectivity, and feasibility of use in deep tissue. Based on their molecular photophysical properties and design directions, the PSs are classified by parent structures, which are discussed in detail from the molecular design to application. Finally, a brief summary of current strategies for designing PSs and future perspectives are also presented. We expect the information provided in this review to spur the further design of PSs and the clinical development of PDT-mediated cancer treatments.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise for cancer treatment but faces challenges. New photosensitizers (PSs) are being developed to improve tumor targeting, therapeutic depth, and effectiveness in the tumor microenvironment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging oncotherapy that utilizes light-activated photosensitizers (PSs) to treat cancer.
- Current limitations of PDT include insufficient tumor suppression, inadequate tumor targeting, and restricted therapeutic penetration depth.
- The efficacy of PDT is critically dependent on the properties and performance of the photosensitizer (PS).
Purpose of the Study:
- This review aims to summarize recent advancements in the design and development of photosensitizers (PSs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT).
- The focus is on overcoming key challenges in PDT, such as enhancing tumor targeting, improving efficacy within the tumor microenvironment, and enabling deeper tissue penetration.
- To provide insights into molecular design strategies and future research directions for novel PSs in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- This review categorizes photosensitizers (PSs) based on their parent structures and molecular photophysical properties.
- It details the molecular design principles and application strategies for various classes of PSs.
- Recent progress in developing PSs with enhanced tumor microenvironment tolerance, improved tumor selectivity, and feasibility for deep-tissue applications is discussed.
Main Results:
- Recent developments have led to photosensitizers (PSs) with improved tumor-specific selectivity and enhanced tolerance to the tumor microenvironment.
- Novel PS designs demonstrate feasibility for use in deeper tissues, expanding the potential therapeutic depth of PDT.
- The classification based on parent structures provides a systematic overview of PS development.
Conclusions:
- The development of advanced photosensitizers (PSs) is crucial for overcoming the limitations of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in cancer treatment.
- Strategic molecular design can yield PSs with enhanced tumor targeting, deeper therapeutic penetration, and improved efficacy.
- Continued research and development of novel PSs are expected to accelerate the clinical translation of PDT-mediated cancer therapies.
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