Photo-Based Nanomedicines Using Polymeric Systems in the Field of Cancer Imaging and Therapy

Abstract

The use of photo-based nanomedicine in imaging and therapy has grown rapidly. The property of light in converting its energy into different forms has been exploited in the fields of optical imaging (OI) and phototherapy (PT) for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The development of nanotechnology offers numerous advantages to overcome the challenges of OI and PT. Accordingly, in this review, we shed light on common photosensitive agents (PSAs) used in OI and PT; these include fluorescent and bioluminescent PSAs for OI or PT agents for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). We also describe photo-based nanotechnology systems that can be used in photo-based diagnostics and therapies by using various polymeric systems.

Photodynamic Therapy—An Up-to-Date Review

“…Under appropriate light irradiation, the nontoxic photosensitizing compound placed at the target site is activated, being able to absorb and transfer electrons, while the in situ found oxygen molecules act as electron acceptors [19,21,22]. Hence, cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated, producing irreversible damage to microorganisms and target tissues by rupturing the cell membrane and causing cell death by necrosis or apoptosis [17,19,[23][24][25]. There are two main types of ROS, each corresponding to a distinctive PDT mechanism (Figure 2).…”

“…Titanium dioxide can also act as a photosensitive agent, being able to generate singlet oxygen [8,24,77,78]. These nanoparticles gained interest due to their adjustable bandgap, band position, excellent photostability, low toxicity, high catalytic activity, abundance, and affordability [36].…”

Escherichia coliadhesin protein-conjugated thermal responsive hybrid nanoparticles for photothermal and immunotherapy against cancer and its metastasis

“…33 40 These nanomedicines, together with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and PTT, have advanced the targeted treatment of various types of cancers. 41 Since the polymers and lipids are the main components of the HNPs, they are able to incorporate different types of therapeutic reagents against cancer. 41 42 Laser-mediated therapeutic trial methods include PDT.…”

Recent Advances in pH- or/and Photo-Responsive Nanovehicles

“…PDT, a non-invasive cancer treatment that utilizes the generation of ROS via the reaction of photosensitizers (PSs) responding to appropriate light irradiation has attracted increased interest in the development of controlled targeting nanovehicles owing to their advantages of ease of control, non-invasiveness, and spatial control [ 84 , 85 ]. PDT using various PSs for cancer treatment has been well documented in other reviews [ 84 , 85 , 86 ]. Here, we briefly discuss photo-responsive nanovehicles by mediators induced by PSs via interaction with light illumination.…”