Photodynamic therapy and its evolving innovation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Light has been historically used for medical treatments.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes photosensitizers activated by light to generate reactive oxygen species for therapeutic purposes.
• PDT is widely applied in cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development of photodynamic therapy (PDT).
• To highlight innovative designs and advancements in PDT.
• To emphasize the role of porous materials in recent PDT success and future outlook.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of photodynamic therapy (PDT) evolution.
• Analysis of innovative PDT designs and applications.
• Examination of porous materials (MOFs, COFs, porous polymers) in PDT.

Main Results:

• Porous materials, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), and nanoscale porous polymers, have significantly advanced PDT.
• These materials enhance PDT efficacy and offer new therapeutic possibilities.
• The review provides a comprehensive overview of PDT's innovative trajectory.

Conclusions:

• Porous materials are instrumental in the recent success and future potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT).
• PDT continues to evolve with innovative material integration.
• This review offers a foundational understanding of PDT's past, present, and future.