Nanoparticles-based photosensitizers with effect of aggregation-induced emission

Abstract
Description
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a method of the treatment of localized cancers, based on a photochemical reaction between a light-activated molecule or photosensitizer (PS), light, and molecular oxygen. Correct choice of PS is of fundamental importance for PDT effcacy. Despite numerous studies in this feld, most known PS have some drawbacks, e.g. lack of specifcity and aggregation in aqueous media. Consequently, the search for an ideal PS is essential for further development of PDT. Here we review classifcation and analyse main features of different generations of PS and describe the mechanisms of their action. Various methods of targeted delivery of PS to tumor cells are discussed. The advantages of PS nanoparticles with the effect of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) over the classic photosensitizers are presented. A possibility of practical application of such light-emitting structures in cancer phototherapy is shown.
Keywords
photodynamic therapy (PDT), photosensitizer, aggregation-induced emission
Citation