International Journal of Nano Dimension (Int. J. Nano Dimens.) Revolutionizing cancer treatment through nanoengineered photosensitizer formulations for advanced photodynamic therapy Volume 15 (2024) Issue 2, March 2024 2024 03 04 Revolutionizing cancer treatment through nanoengineered photosensitizer formulations for advanced photodynamic therapy 10.57647/j.ijnd.2024.1502.10 EN Pragya Pallavi Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai, India. 0000-0001-6422-9697 Karthick Harini Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai, India. 0000-0002-8538-2049 Atanu Mahata Department of Chemistry, Government General Degree College, Ranibandh, Bankura, West Bengal, India. 0000-0003-4580-3483 Anbazhagan Thirumalai Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai, India. 0000-0002-2659-5191 Agnishwar Girigoswami Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai, India. 0000-0003-0475-2544 Journal Article 2024 03 04 Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an approved minimum-invasive therapeutic approach authorized for the clinical treatment of various types of cancer and antibiotic-resistant microbial disorders. During PDT, a photosensitizing compound known as a photosensitizer (PS) deliberately accumulates in tissues. The PS is activated when exposed to a specific wavelength of visible light, generating reactive oxygen species and causing tumor regression and cell death. PDT has the advantage of being low in systemic toxicity and selective in destroying tumors accessible to light, making it an attractive alternative to other conventional cancer treatments without affecting healthy cells. Despite the challenges of poor aqueous solubility and lack of selectivity associated with PS, PDT has shown promise by employing nanoformulations, enabling selective distribution and concentration in highly localized tumor regions. Centered on the utilization of nanoparticles and nanocarriers in PDT to mitigate treatment drawbacks, the study unveils the effectiveness of nanoformulated photosensitizing agents in tumor destruction. This reveals refined PDT strategies for overcoming limitations and propelling advancements in theranostic applications.