Strategies to Improve Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy of Metal-Free Semiconducting Conjugated Polymers
Na Sun, Xue Wen, Song Zhang
Abstract
Na Sun,1 Xue Wen,2 Song Zhang1 1Department of Nuclear Medicine, XinQiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Electronics, Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Song ZhangDepartment of Nuclear Medicine, XinQiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 23-68755639Fax +86 23-68755012Email [email protected]: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a noninvasive therapy for cancer and bacterial infection. Metal-free semiconducting conjugated polymers (SCPS) with good stability and optical and electrical properties are promising photosensitizers (PSs) for PDT compared with traditional small-molecule PSs. This review analyzes the latest progress of strategies to improve PDT effect of linear, planar, and three-dimensional SCPS, including improving solubility, adjusting conjugated structure, enhancing PS-doped SCPs, and combining therapies. Moreover, the current issues, such as hypoxia, low penetration, targeting and biosafety of SCPS, and corresponding strategies, are discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and potential opportunities on further improvement of PDT for SCPs are presented.Keywords: semiconducting conjugated polymers, photosensitizer, photodynamic therapy, enhancing phototherapy strategies