Abstract
Methylene blue (MB) has been used in the textile industry since it was first extracted by the German chemist Heinrich Caro. Its pharmacological properties have also been applied toward the treatment of certain diseases such as methemoglobinemia, ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy, and thyroid conditions requiring surgery. Recently, the utilization of MB as a safe photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT) has received attention. Recent findings demonstrate that photoactivated MB exhibits not only anticancer activity but also antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo. However, due to the hydrophilic nature of MB, it is difficult to create MB-embedded nano- or microparticles capable of increasing the clinical efficacy of the PDT. This review aims to summarize fabrication techniques for MB-embedded nano and microparticles and to provide both in vitro and in vivo examples of MB-mediated PDT, thereby offering a future perspective on improving this promising clinical treatment modality. We also address examples of MB-mediated PDT in both cancer and infection treatments. Both in-vitro and in-vivo studies are summarized here to document recent trends in utilizing MB as an effective photosensitizer in PDT. Lastly, we discuss how developing efficient MB-carrying nano- and microparticle platforms would be able to increase the benefits of PDT.
Highlights
Methylene blue (MB) has been used in the textile industry since it was first extracted by the German chemist Heinrich Caro
MB has been utilized as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases
Despite the early use of this hydrophilic molecule in PDT, few studies have been reported to improve MB has been utilized as a photosensitizer for PDT in the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases
Summary
Methylene blue (MB), first extracted by the German chemist Heinrich Caro, has been recognized as a dye, and as a medicine that has been used in the treatment of malaria (Figure 1) [1]. Details of the molecular mechanisms associated with them have been previously explained (Figure 2) [27,28] Likewise, these oxidizing molecules react with bacterial biomolecules, resulting in the eradication of infectious bacteria [29]. Details the molecular mechanisms associated efficacy of the irradiation of a specific light on the targeted tissue [32]. They can with them have been previously explained Increasing the utilization of MB-embedded nano of a specific light on the targeted tissue [32] They can protect the PS molecules and microparticles in PDT may improve the clinical outcome of this promising therapy in from photobleaching the modern medicinal[33]
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