A mini review of nanomaterials on photodynamic therapy

Abstract

In this account, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) were deliberately reviewed. First, the specific definition of ROS and PDT were readily clarified. Afterward, this review focuses on the fundamental principles and applications of PDT. Due to strong oxidation ability of radicals (e.g., •OH and O₂^•-) and non-radical (e.g., ¹O₂ and H₂O₂), these ROS would attack the in vitro and in vivo tumor cells, thus achieving the goal of cancer treatment. Then, ROS in PDT for cancer treatment was thoroughly reviewed, including the mechanism and photosensitizer (PS) selection (i.e., nanomaterials). Ultimately, emphasis was made on the challenges, research gap, and prospects of ROS in cancer treatment and critically discussed. Hopefully, this review can offer detailed theoretical guidance for the researchers who participate in the study regarding ROS in PDT.