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Activatable Photosensitizers: Agents for Selective Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s) -
Li Xingshu,
Kolemen Safacan,
Yoon Juyoung,
Akkaya Engin U.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201604053
Subject(s) - photodynamic therapy , singlet oxygen , bifunctional , nanotechnology , photosensitizer , materials science , sensitization , photochemistry , medicine , chemistry , organic chemistry , oxygen , catalysis , immunology
Recent developments in the design of bifunctional and activatable photosensitizers rejuvenate the aging field of photodynamic sensitization and photodynamic therapy. While systematic studies have uncovered new dyes that can serve as potential photosensitizers, the most promising results have come from studies aimed at gaining precise control over the location and rate of cytotoxic singlet oxygen generation. As a consequence, higher selectivities and efficiencies in photodynamic treatment protocols are now within reach. This feature article highlights the variety of approaches that have been pursued to improve photodynamic therapy and to transform simple photosensitizers into smarter theranostic agents.