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Updated: Feb 14, 2026
Photodynamic Therapy with Blended Conducting Polymer/Fullerene Nanoparticle Photosensitizers
Published on: October 28, 2015
Enhancing Tumor Photodynamic Therapy via Molecular Engineering and Functional Modification of Photosensitizers
Wei Zheng1, Linlin Tao2, Xiaofeng Xia2
1College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anshun University, Anshun 561000, China.
Abstract:
Photosensitizers are susceptible to interference from the biological internal environment, which largely restricts the clinical application of photodynamic therapy. For instance, most existing photosensitizers tend to aggregate in the biological environment, resulting in a decrease in reactive oxygen species yield; their therapeutic efficacy is unsatisfactory in hypoxic tumor environments; they are difficult to accumulate effectively in tumor sites and cannot accurately distinguish between tumors and healthy tissues. To address these issues, this review systematically elaborates on a series of optimization strategies, including improving the intersystem crossing efficiency of photosensitizers through molecular engineering, endowing them with aggregation-induced emission properties, developing type I photosensitizers, and functionalizing photosensitizers by modifying biological proteins, targeting groups, or combining with nanoengineering, aiming to enhance the efficiency of photodynamic therapy. By summarizing the latest research breakthroughs, innovative methods, and emerging applications in this field, the review provides practical solutions and broad application prospects for photodynamic therapy, which is expected to promote the clinical translation and application of photosensitizers.
Insights
This review explores strategies to improve photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Optimization enhances reactive oxygen species generation, tumor targeting, and efficacy in hypoxic environments for better clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Photosensitizers face biological interference, limiting photodynamic therapy (PDT) clinical use.
- Aggregation reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield, while hypoxia and poor tumor accumulation hinder efficacy.
- Current photosensitizers lack specificity, failing to distinguish tumors from healthy tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review optimization strategies for photosensitizers in PDT.
- To address challenges like aggregation, hypoxia, and poor tumor targeting.
- To enhance PDT efficiency and promote clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Molecular engineering to improve intersystem crossing efficiency.
- Endowing photosensitizers with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties.
- Developing Type I photosensitizers and functionalizing with proteins, targeting groups, or nanoengineering.
Main Results:
- Optimized photosensitizers show improved ROS generation and reduced aggregation.
- Enhanced accumulation and specificity in tumor sites observed.
- Increased therapeutic efficacy in hypoxic tumor environments demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Optimization strategies offer practical solutions for PDT challenges.
- Functionalized photosensitizers show broad application prospects.
- These advancements are expected to accelerate the clinical translation of PDT.
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