Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for Fungal Infections
Summary
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) harnesses light-activated photosensitisers to generate reactive oxygen species that selectively inactivate fungal pathogens. As resistance to conventional antifungals rises in conditions such as candidiasis, dermatophytosis and invasive mycoses, aPDT offers a multi-target approach that minimises the risk of resistance development. The treatment involves three key components: a non-toxic photosensitiser, light of a specific wavelength and ambient oxygen. Upon illumination, the photosensitiser is excited and transfers energy to molecular oxygen, producing cytotoxic species that induce oxidative damage to cell membranes, proteins and nucleic acids. Advances in photosensitiser chemistry, delivery platforms and light-source engineering have improved efficacy against both planktonic fungi and biofilm-embedded communities. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate the ability of aPDT to eradicate fungal biofilms on mucosal surfaces and medical devices, enhance the susceptibility of residual cells to standard drugs and promote tissue healing. As a non-invasive, broad-spectrum modality, aPDT holds promise for global management of refractory fungal infections and reduction of drug-related toxicity.
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Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for Fungal Infections publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for fungal infections across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Photosensitiser: A dye or compound that absorbs light and transfers energy to molecular oxygen, producing reactive species.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules, including singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals, that induce oxidative damage in microbial cells.
Biofilm: A structured microbial community encased in an extracellular matrix that confers enhanced resistance to antimicrobial agents.
Aggregation-induced emission (AIE): A photophysical phenomenon in which certain molecules emit more light when aggregated, improving photosensitiser efficacy.
Plasmonic effect: Localised electromagnetic field enhancement by metallic nanoparticles, boosting photosensitiser excitation and ROS generation.
References
- A mitochondria‐targeted aggregation‐induced emission photosensitizer for eradication Candida biofilms and treating oral ulcer. Smart Molecules (2025).
- A Novel Strategy Based on Zn(II) Porphyrins and Silver Nanoparticles to Photoinactivate Candida albicans. International Journal of Nanomedicine (2023).
- Efficacy of Toluidine Blue—Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on Candida spp. A Systematic Review. Antibiotics (2021).
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