Revolutionizing cancer treatment: Enhancing photodynamic therapy with cyclodextrin nanoparticles and synergistic combination therapies

By combining the synergistic effects of a photosensitive substance, light activation, and molecular oxygen to stimulate selective tumor cell death, the utilization of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a successful cancer therapy strategy is growing in popularity. On account of its unique properties, such as biological compatibility, cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered significant attention in the field of PDT. A thorough synopsis of recent research on CD-based NPs utilized in anti-tumor PDT are explored in this review. Due to their enhanced light absorption and drug-loading capacities, these NPs have demonstrated great promise for increasing PDT results and drug delivery efficiency. In addition, the review explores studies that demonstrate the potential utility of CD NP complexes in conjunction with ions, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and porphyrin, with a focus on the synthesis, characteristics, and photophysical characteristics of each. The ability of CD-based NPs to encapsulate and promote the regulated release of hydrophobic photosensitizers (PS) within cancer cells is a significant topic covered in this review. The review also assesses the therapeutic benefits and synergistic effects that result from combining cyclodextrin with other substances. In the context of cancer prevention photodynamic therapy, this investigation highlights the versatility and promise of cyclodextrin-based NP systems.