Nanoparticles in Photodynamic Therapy

Dear Colleagues,

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive therapeutic strategy that relies on the activation of photosensitizers (PSs) via light of a suitable wavelength to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to selective cytotoxic effects. However, many conventional PSs face limitations such as poor water solubility, low photostability, limited selectivity, and suboptimal accumulation in diseased tissues. To address these challenges, nanotechnology has enabled the development of advanced delivery systems that improve the pharmacokinetics, targeting, and photophysical properties of PSs.

This Special Issue aims to showcase recent advances in nanoparticle-assisted PDT, focusing on the design, synthesis, and application of nanosystems that respond to light and complementary physiological stimuli. Nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, liposomes, and inorganic nanostructures (e.g., metallic nanoparticles, mesoporous silica, quantum dots, and magnetic nanocarriers) have demonstrated the ability to improve PS stability, enhance ROS generation, control release, and broaden therapeutic applicability.

Applications of interest include oncological therapy and antimicrobial PDT (aPDT) targeting bacterial and fungal infections, with particular emphasis on localized diseases such as periodontitis, peri-implantitis, skin infections, and ocular conditions.

We welcome original research and review articles addressing innovative nanoformulations, novel or enhanced PSs, combination strategies, and preclinical validation studies.

Dr. Luis Felipe Barraza Ramírez
Dr. Manuel Francisco Melendrez Castro
Dr. Cristian Hugo Campos Figueroa
Guest Editors

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