Research Advances in Photodynamic Therapy
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 96
Special Issue Editors
Interests: organic synthesis; solid phase peptide synthesis; pseudopeptides as self-assembled foldamers; targeted peptides as therapeutic drug delivery systems for biological applications; anticancer photodynamic therapy applications; nuclear medicine applications; neurodegenerative applications; cerebrovascular applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: photodynamic therapy; cancer; photosensitizer; nanoparticles; targeting; fluorescence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a versatile and multidisciplinary therapeutic approach that integrates light, oxygen, and photosensitizing molecules to induce localized cytotoxic effects through the generation of reactive oxygen species. Recent advances in chemistry, materials science, and molecular biology have significantly expanded the potential of PDT beyond its traditional oncological use. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current progress and emerging directions in PDT, covering all aspects from fundamental theory to clinical translation.
Topics of interest include the design, synthesis, and molecular engineering of novel photosensitizers; nanocarrier-based delivery systems and targeting strategies that enhance selectivity and accumulation in diseased tissues; and detailed investigations of photophysical, photochemical, and dosimetric parameters. We also invite studies on light delivery innovations, computational and predictive modeling, and strategies to overcome key limitations such as tissue penetration depth and hypoxia.
At the biological level, this Issue welcomes research exploring cellular and molecular mechanisms of PDT-induced cytotoxicity, immunogenic cell death, and microenvironmental responses. Equally, it encompasses translational applications, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal therapies, as well as PDT use in dermatology, dentistry, and ophthalmology.
By aligning with the broad molecular scope of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, this Special Issue aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and highlight advances that enhance the efficacy, selectivity, and safety of photodynamic therapy across diverse biomedical domains.
Dr. Samir Acherar
Dr. Céline Frochot
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- photodynamic therapy (PDT)
- photosensitizers and nanocarriers
- targeting and molecular selectivity
- photophysics and dosimetry
- anticancer and antimicrobial applications
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