Near-Infrared Photosensitizer-Induced Cytotoxicity (NIR-PDT)

Near-infrared photosensitizer-induced cytotoxicity is a mechanism employed in photodynamic therapy (PDT) where photosensitizing agents, activated by NIR light, produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage and kill cells. The specificity of this approach can be enhanced by conjugating photosensitizers to targeting moieties like antibodies. The type of cell death induced (apoptosis or necrosis) depends on the photosensitizer, its localization, and the ROS concentration. Key considerations include the photosensitizer's absorption wavelength, photostability, dark toxicity, ROS generation efficiency, and tumor selectivity.

Other names

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with Near-Infrared PhotosensitizersNIR PhotosensitizationNIR-Activated Cell Death

Upon irradiation with near-infrared (NIR) light, photosensitizers generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative damage and subsequent cell death (apoptosis or necrosis).