Photosensitizer

Bioconjugation

Biology

Photodynamic therapy

Pact

Antimicrobial

Photochemistry

Materials science

Archaeology

Drug

Nanotechnology

Organic chemistry

Antimicrobial chemotherapy

Microbiology

Pharmacology

Medicine

Chemistry

History

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology C Photochemistry Reviews

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) combine light and photosensitizers to treat cancers and microbial infections, respectively. In PACT, the excitation of a photosensitizer drug with appropriate light generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that kill pathogens in the proximity of the drug. PACT has considerably advanced with new light sources, biocompatible photosensitizers, bioconjugate methods, and efficient ROS production. The PACT technology has evolved to compete with or replace antibiotics, reducing the burden of antibiotic resistance. This review updates recent advances in PACT, with special references to light sources, photosensitizers, and emerging applications to microbial infestations. We also discuss PACT applied to COVID-19 causing SARS-CoV-2 treatment and disinfecting food materials and water. Finally, we discuss the pathogen selectivity and efficiency of PACT.

Advances in photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy