About this Research Topic
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is still an intensively developing field of medical chemistry. PDT is based on the destructive properties of reactive oxygen species, which are formed as a result of the interaction of a non-toxic dye and light. This therapy can be directed against both tumours and microorganisms. Numerous advantages of PDT should be emphasized: non-specificity, versatility, few side effects, local action, low cost, possibility of combining with other drugs.
The development and improvement of photosensitizers for PDT remains a huge challenge. In recent years, we have observed intensive work on the synthesis of new photosensitizers, but many aspects are still problematic. Development of nanocarriers for photodynamic therapy such as nanoparticles, nanocages, quantum dots, liposomes, microspheres etc. should be a priority issue. It is also important to look for formulations that increase their solubility and selective accumulation at the site of the disease, e.g. combinations with polymers, amorphization, targeting with antibodies. Another development opportunity is the search for new combinations of PDT with classical pharmacological therapy or chemical adjuvants. These experiments will be aimed at increasing the application potential of PDT and extending its application in new diseases. The aim of this Research Topic is to cover promising, recent, and novel research trends in the improvement of photodynamic therapy against bacteria and cancer.
We welcome Original Research and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
• New formulations of photosensitizers.
• Combination of photosensitizers with nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, polymers, antibodies etc.
• Chemical modifications of photosensitizers improving their physicochemical parameters.
• New application/exposure systems for PDT.
• Protocols linking photosensitizers with adjuvants and other molecules.
The development and improvement of photosensitizers for PDT remains a huge challenge. In recent years, we have observed intensive work on the synthesis of new photosensitizers, but many aspects are still problematic. Development of nanocarriers for photodynamic therapy such as nanoparticles, nanocages, quantum dots, liposomes, microspheres etc. should be a priority issue. It is also important to look for formulations that increase their solubility and selective accumulation at the site of the disease, e.g. combinations with polymers, amorphization, targeting with antibodies. Another development opportunity is the search for new combinations of PDT with classical pharmacological therapy or chemical adjuvants. These experiments will be aimed at increasing the application potential of PDT and extending its application in new diseases. The aim of this Research Topic is to cover promising, recent, and novel research trends in the improvement of photodynamic therapy against bacteria and cancer.
We welcome Original Research and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
• New formulations of photosensitizers.
• Combination of photosensitizers with nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, polymers, antibodies etc.
• Chemical modifications of photosensitizers improving their physicochemical parameters.
• New application/exposure systems for PDT.
• Protocols linking photosensitizers with adjuvants and other molecules.
Keywords: PDT, PACT, Cancer, Antibiotic resistance, Light, Photosensitizers
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
