Abstract
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) employs a photoreactive dye photosensitizer in combination with visible light and molecular oxygen. Following light absorption, the photochemical reactions lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS-mediated damage to proteins and lipids impairs function of the bacterial cellular structures and subsequently causes the eradication of microorganisms. aPDT is gaining increasing attention because of the multitargeted nature of the photosensitization process and resulting nonspecific mechanism of action. aPDT is effective against, e.g., bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and parasites including antibiotic-resistant strains. Numerous photosensitizers aggregate in aqueous environments, leading to attenuation of their photochemical activity and hindering of their cell internalization. Nanocarriers improve photosensitizer internalization by microbial cells and enable the biofilm barrier to be crossed, enhancing the inactivation of kinetics. Some nanocarriers improve photosensitizers’ ROS yield or act as photosensitizers themselves. This chapter aims to present the advantages of various nanoparticulate delivery systems for photosensitizers and to review different delivery strategies.
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