Photodynamic Therapy—An Up-to-Date Review

The healing power of light has attracted interest for thousands years. Scientific discoveries and technological advancements in the field have eventually led to emergence photodynamic therapy, which soon became a promising approach treating broad range diseases. Based on interaction between light, molecular oxygen, various photosensitizers, therapy represents non-invasive, non-toxic, repeatable procedure tumor treatment, wound healing, pathogens inactivation. However, classic photosensitizing compounds impose limitations their clinical applications. Aiming overcome these drawbacks, nanotechnology came as solution improving targeting efficiency, release control, solubility traditional photosensitizers. This paper proposes comprehensive path, starting with mechanism, evolution over years, integration nanotechnology, ending detailed review most important applications this therapeutic approach.