Tactics to Improve the Photodynamic Therapeutic Efficacy Based on Nanomaterials

Yinghao Cao; Xiaoping Qian; Mengqi Shi; Xiang Sun; Jianhua Zou; Xiaoyuan Chen

doi:10.1002/cjoc.202401177

Chinese Journal of Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (14) : 1731 -1755. DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202401177

Critical Review

Tactics to Improve the Photodynamic Therapeutic Efficacy Based on Nanomaterials

Yinghao Cao ¹^,²^,³
, Xiaoping Qian ¹^,²^,⁴
, Mengqi Shi ¹^,²
, Xiang Sun ¹^,²^,⁵
, Jianhua Zou ¹^,²^,⁶^,⁷^,⁸
, Xiaoyuan Chen ¹^,²^,⁶^,⁷^,⁸

Author information +

¹. Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074 Singapore

². Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597 Singapore

³. Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022 China

⁴. Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008 China

⁵. State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005 China

⁶. Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599 Singapore

⁷. Theranostics Center of Excellence (TCE), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 11 Biopolis Way, Helios, 138667 Singapore, Singapore

⁸. Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673 Singapore

x_sun@nus.edu.sg

zoujh-93@nus.edu.sg

chen.shawn@nus.edu.sg

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Abstract

The development of photodynamic therapy (PDT), from its initial discovery of photodynamic effects to its current use in various medical conditions, is a testament to its therapeutic potential. Recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of PDT. Typical nanomaterials (NMs), including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and nanozymes have been introduced to enhance the photodynamic efficacy because they can enhance the delivery of PSs, and effectively overcome insufficient targeting specificity, limited tissue penetration depth, and hypoxic microenvironments, thereby amplifying its therapeutic efficacy. However, the clinical application of these NMs in PDT faces several challenges, including concerns regarding biocompatibility, long-term biosafety, and economic feasibility. To further advance PDT, researchers should focus on designing NMs to improve therapeutic outcomes, exploring combination therapies with PDT, and conducting translational clinical trials to validate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of these novel PDT approaches. This review summarizes the recent progress in PDT based on NMs, especially MOFs, COFs and nanozymes and their application in disease treatment. We aim to provide guidance for future research and clinical practice in advancing NMs-enhanced PDT, paving the way for more effective therapeutic strategies.

Keywords

Photodynamic therapy / Metal organic frameworks / Covalent organic frameworks / Nanozymes / Biomedical application

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Yinghao Cao, Xiaoping Qian, Mengqi Shi, Xiang Sun, Jianhua Zou, Xiaoyuan Chen. Tactics to Improve the Photodynamic Therapeutic Efficacy Based on Nanomaterials. Chinese Journal of Chemistry, 2025, 43(14): 1731-1755 DOI:10.1002/cjoc.202401177