Photodynamic Therapy Applications with Quantum Dots
Summary
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive modality that employs light-activated photosensitisers to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, principally singlet oxygen, for targeted destruction of diseased tissue. Quantum dots (QDs) are nanometre-scale semiconductor crystals whose size-dependent optical and electronic properties enable precise tuning of absorption and emission wavelengths. Integrating QDs into PDT frameworks has yielded multiple advances: bespoke surface chemistries facilitate active targeting and cellular uptake; energy transfer via Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) enhances activation of classical photosensitisers; upconversion strategies permit near-infrared excitation for deep-tissue treatment; and hybrid assemblies combine photothermal, photomechanical and chemotherapeutic modalities. Collectively, these innovations improve singlet oxygen quantum yields, extend tissue penetration depth and add real-time imaging for theranostic applications. High photostability, strong two-photon absorption and multifunctional core–shell architectures further support precise, image-guided interventions with reduced off-target toxicity. Such QD-based systems hold global significance in oncology and beyond, offering pathways toward clinical translation of next-generation PDT agents.
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Photodynamic Therapy Applications with Quantum Dots publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in photodynamic therapy applications with quantum dots across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Photodynamic therapy (PDT): A treatment that uses light-activated photosensitisers to generate reactive oxygen species for selective cell destruction.
Quantum dot (QD): A nanometre-sized semiconductor particle exhibiting size-tunable optical and electronic characteristics, employed as light harvesters and energy donors.
Photosensitiser: A molecule that, upon light absorption, transfers energy to molecular oxygen to form reactive oxygen species.
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET): A distance-dependent, non-radiative energy transfer mechanism between a donor and acceptor chromophore, effective over a few nanometres.
Upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP): A nanoparticle, typically doped with lanthanide ions, that absorbs low-energy photons (e.g. near-infrared) and emits higher-energy light, enabling deep-tissue activation of attached agents.
References
- Graphene Quantum Dots Modified Upconversion Nanoparticles for Photodynamic Therapy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022).
- Graphene Oxide and Graphene Quantum Dots as Delivery Systems of Cationic Porphyrins: Photo-Antiproliferative Activity Evaluation towards T24 Human Bladder Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics (2021).
- Impact of Quantum Dot Surface on Complex Formation with Chlorin e6 and Photodynamic Therapy. Nanomaterials (2018).
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