Advances in Photodynamic Therapy: Near-Infrared Light and Nanoparticles

Dear Colleagues,

For this Special Issue, we invite in vitro and in vivo research papers and reviews on the possible mechanisms of new photodynamic therapy (PDT) using nanoparticles as photosensitizers and near-infrared irradiation. We would also welcome a comparison with the reaction mechanisms of conventional porphyrin-derivative photosensitizers and visible-light irradiation.

One new mechanism is thought to be via collective plasmon resonance oscillations of conduction electrons generated at the surface of nanoparticles that disrupt cell membranes. On the other hand, when irradiated in the near-infrared region, the excited electron energy tends to undergo a thermal non-radiative process, causing photothermal effects. It is considered complex and difficult to consider the effects of actual biological cancer treatments, including distinguishing between the physical effects based on these two physicochemical mechanisms.

In addition, the reaction mechanisms of (i) non-radiative photothermal effects and (ii) collective plasmon resonance oscillation effects by conduction electrons due to the near-infrared irradiation of nanoparticles will be different from those of conventional PDT effects. We are also interested in research comparatively examining what kinds of biological intermediates are possible compared to the excited electron energy transfer of photosensitizer molecules.

Prof. Dr. Norio Miyoshi
Dr. Gang Zheng
Guest Editors

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• mechanisms of PDT
• collective plasmon resonance vibration effects
• nanoparticles
• photothermal effects
• active oxygen species