Enhancing Precision in Photodynamic Therapy: Innovations in Light-Driven and Bioorthogonal Activation

Natalia S Kuzmina1, Ekaterina A Fedotova1, Petar Jankovic1

  • 1Department of Organic Chemistry, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina Av. 23, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

Pharmaceutics
|April 27, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses intelligent photosensitizers for precise cancer treatment. Recent advancements focus on light-activated or bioorthogonal systems for targeted drug delivery and enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Photochemistry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment for cancer and other diseases.
  • Challenges in PDT include precise control and targeted delivery of photosensitizers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review advancements in light-activated and bioorthogonal photosensitizers for PDT over the last decade.
  • To compare the efficacy of these novel photosensitizer systems.
  • To outline future directions for improving PDT.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on photosensitizer development and PDT.
  • Analysis of energy transfer, charge transfer, and electron transfer mechanisms in photosensitizers.
  • Evaluation of bioorthogonal strategies for targeted photosensitizer activation within tumors.

Main Results:

  • Development of intelligent photosensitizers activated by light-induced energy, charge, or electron transfer.
  • Emergence of bioorthogonal delivery and activation methods for targeted PDT.
  • Demonstrated potential for enhanced precision and efficacy in tumor treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Intelligent and bioorthogonal photosensitizers represent significant progress in PDT.
  • Targeted activation strategies improve treatment specificity and reduce side effects.
  • Further research will refine these systems for broader clinical application.