Utilization of Advanced Photosensitizers in the Progress of Antibacterial and Anticancer Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been established as a substitute modality for managing nonneoplastic and neoplastic diseases. It is a non-invasive treatment comprising three non-toxic components, i.e., photosensitizer (PS), light, and molecular oxygen. The simultaneous interaction of three components generates highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS are subsequently involved in the demolition of unwanted cells at specific sites. The discovery of biocompatible photosensitizers with optimized properties is critical for accomplishing the therapeutic effect. This book chapter describes the uses of various photosensitizers, their PDT applications in antibacterial and anticancer treatment, and the mechanisms of cell death. This chapter also included the principle and mechanism of PDT and a list of clinically approved photosensitizers for PDT application.