Polymyxin B-modified conjugated oligomer nanoparticle for targeted identification and enhanced photodynamic antimicrobial therapy

We report a photosensitive polymyxin B-modified conjugated oligomer nanoparticle that integrates the targeted identification and synergistic photodynamic therapy in one treatment against resistant gram-negative bacteria. The study expands the application...

Poly(NIPAM-co-thienoviologen) for Multi-responsive Smart Windows and Thermo-controlled Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy

Multi-functional copolymers based on NIPAM and thienoviologens with different number of thiophene units (n= 1, 2 and 3) were synthesized and their absorption/emission properties were systematically studied. The thienoviologens exhibited...

Polymyxin B-functionalized phthalocyanine for chemo-photodynamic antibacterial therapy in enhanced wound healing

This paper proposes a synergistic photodynamic antimicrobial therapy and chemotherapy for enhanced wound healing by polymyxin B-functionalized phthalocyanine (Pc-PB) as a new photosensitive antibacterial agent. Rapid healing of bacteria-infected wound...

Carbon Nanodots in Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy: A Review

Antibiotic resistance development in bacteria is an ever-increasing global health concern as new resistant strains and/or resistance mechanisms emerge each day, out-pacing the discovery of novel antibiotics. Increasingly, research focuses on alternate techniques, such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) or photocatalytic disinfection, to combat pathogens even before infection occurs. Small molecule “photosensitizers” have been developed to date for this application, using light energy to inflict damage and death on nearby pathogens via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These molecular agents are frequently limited in widespread application by synthetic expense and complexity. Carbon dots, or fluorescent, quasi-spherical nanoparticle structures, provide an inexpensive and “green” solution for a new class of APDT photosensitizers. To date, reviews have examined the overall antimicrobial properties of carbon dot structures. Herein we provide a focused review on the recent progress for carbon nanodots in photodynamic disinfection, highlighting select studies of carbon dots as intrinsic photosensitizers, structural tuning strategies for optimization, and their use in hybrid disinfection systems and materials. Limitations and challenges are also discussed, and contemporary experimental strategies presented. This review provides a focused foundation for which APDT using carbon dots may be expanded in future research, ultimately on a global scale.