Organic Conjugated Molecules: Driving Recent Progress in Phototherapeutic Antimicrobial Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Infectious diseases pose significant health threats globally.
• Antibiotic misuse has led to widespread drug-resistant pathogens.
• Conventional therapies face challenges in balancing efficacy and biosafety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent advances in organic conjugated molecule (OCM) design for antimicrobial phototherapy.
• To summarize major phototherapeutic approaches utilizing OCMs.
• To analyze the innovation, limitations, and future potential of OCM-based phototherapy.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of OCM design strategies and phototherapy applications in antimicrobial treatments.
• Categorization of research based on phototherapy modalities.
• Critical analysis of study innovations, limitations, and practical applicability.

Main Results:

• OCMs exhibit excellent biocompatibility and photophysical properties suitable for phototherapy.
• Phototherapy offers non-invasive, low-toxicity, and effective antimicrobial treatment, avoiding drug resistance.
• Focus on superficial tissue infections like wound, periodontal, and intraocular infections.

Conclusions:

• OCM-based phototherapy presents a viable strategy against drug-resistant pathogens.
• Further research is needed to address limitations and optimize practical applicability.
• Phototherapy holds significant promise for future antimicrobial treatments, particularly for superficial infections.