The photosensitizer-based therapies enhance the repairing of skin wounds

Abstract

Wound repair remains a clinical challenge and bacterial infection is a common complication that may significantly delay healing. Therefore, proper and effective wound management is essential. The photosensitizer-based therapies mainly stimulate the photosensitizer to generate reactive oxygen species through appropriate excitation source irradiation, thereby killing pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, they initiate local immune responses by inducing the recruitment of immune cells as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, these therapies can stimulate the proliferation, migration and differentiation of skin resident cells, and improve the deposition of extracellular matrix; subsequently, they promote the re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Studies in multiple animal models and human skin wounds have proved that the superior sterilization property and biological effects of photosensitizer-based therapies during different stages of wound repair. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in photosensitizer-based therapies for enhancing tissue regeneration, and suggest more effective therapeutics for patients with skin wounds.

The Impact of Low-Level Benzalkonium Chloride Exposure on Staphylococcus spp. Strains and Control by Photoinactivation

“…Therefore, the identification of an effective mastitis treatment that does not promote the selection of drug-resistant populations is extremely necessary. Photodynamic therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the treatment of microbial diseases in humans [ 15 , 16 ]. However, limited research has explored its application in bovine mastitis pathogens and drug-resistant bacteria.…”

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Mediated Antibacterial Oxidative Therapies: Available Methods to Generate ROS and a Novel Option Proposal

“…Some studies have also explored applications in treating infected wounds, especially those associated with MDR bacteria. The results suggest that antibacterial PDT can be beneficial in promoting wound healing and controlling bacterial growth [144,145]. In the field of periodontal diseases, clinical trials have shown promising results for treating chronic periodontitis, a common bacterial infection that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth [146][147][148][149].…”

Photobiomodulation with Blue Light on Wound Healing: A Scoping Review

“…Visible light can also be applied in the form of photodynamic therapy (PDT) [ 33 ]. PDT employs a combination of non-toxic dyes (called photosensitizers) combined with visible light for the subsequent formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intending to eliminate microorganisms, cancer cells, and unwanted tissues [ 34 ].…”

“…In addition, erosions, infection, and sterile pustules are possible adverse effects, although they are rare. In the long term, pigment changes and scarring can occur [ 33 ].…”

“…The knowledge about the actions of blue light (BL) on wound healing has been quite controversial [ 35 ]. Studies have shown that BL, under certain wavelength ranges and light exposure conditions, can be toxic to several cell types, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, retinal epithelial cells, and skin-derived endothelial cells [ 33 ]. Moreover, the penetration depth of BL is low in the skin tissue (about 1 mm) compared with red light (RL; 4–5 mm) or infrared light (5 mm), a factor that could decrease its effectiveness [ 36 ].…”