Drug delivery strategies for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy: from benchtop to clinical practice

J Photochem Photobiol B. 2009 May 4;95(2):71-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2009.01.005. Epub 2009 Jan 22.

Abstract

Light and photosensitizer-mediated killing of many pathogens, termed photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT), has been extensively investigated in vitro. A wide range of organisms from the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus to the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been proven to be susceptible to PACT. Multidrug-resistant strains are just as susceptible to this treatment as their naïve counterparts. Both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses have demonstrated susceptibility in vitro, in addition to fungi and protozoa. Significantly, however, no clinical treatments based on PACT are currently licensed. This paper provides a comprehensive review of work carried out to date on delivery of photosensitizers for use in PACT, including topical, intranasal and oral/buccal delivery, as well as targeted delivery. We have also reviewed photo-antimicrobial surfaces. It is hoped that, through a rational approach to formulation design and subsequent success in small-scale clinical trials, more widespread use will be made of PACT in the clinic, to the benefit of patients worldwide.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Disinfection / instrumentation
  • Disinfection / methods
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Infections / drug therapy*
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents