Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy: Advancements in Porphyrin-Based Photosensitize Development

The reduction of available drugs with effectiveness against microbes is worsening with the current global crisis of antimicrobial resistance. This calls for innovative strategies for combating antimicrobial resistance. Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PACT) is a relatively new method that utilizes the combined action of light, oxygen, and a photosensitizer to bring about the destruction of microorganisms. This technique has been found to be effective against a wide spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Of greater interest is their ability to destroy resistant strains of microorganisms and in effect help in combating the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This manuscript reviews porphyrins and porphyrin-type photosensitizers that have been studied in the recent past with a focus on their structure-activity relationship.

Automated summary

The reduction of available drugs effective against microbes is worsening due to global antimicrobial resistance crisis. Innovative strategies, like Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PACT), are needed to combat this. PACT utilizes light, oxygen, and a photosensitizer to destroy a wide spectrum of microorganisms, including resistant strains, showing promise in addressing antimicrobial resistance.