Photoacid Generators for Biomedical Applications

Photoacid generators (PAGs) are compounds capable of producing hydrogen protons (H+) upon irradiation, including irreversible and reversible PAGs, which have been widely studied in photoinduced polymerization and degradation for a long time. In recent years, the applications of PAGs in the biomedical field have attracted more attention due to their promising clinical value. So, an increasing number of novel PAGs have been reported. In this review, the recent progresses of PAGs for biomedical applications is systematically summarized, including tumor treatment, antibacterial treatment, regulation of protein folding and unfolding, control of drug release and so on. Furthermore, a concept of water-dependent reversible photoacid (W-RPA) and its antitumor effect are highlighted. Eventually, the challenges of PAGs for clinical applications are discussed. With the growing demand for biomaterials, many PAGs have been designed and synthetized for biomedical applications. Here, the recent progresses of PAGs for tumor treatment is summarized, antibacterial treatment, regulation of protein folding and unfolding, control of drug release and so on. Furthermore, W-RPA and its applications are highlighted. Finally, the challenges of PAGs for clinical applications are discussed.image

Automated summary

This article systematically summarizes the recent progresses of photoacid generators (PAGs) for biomedical applications, including tumor treatment, antibacterial treatment, regulation of protein folding and unfolding, control of drug release and so on. The concept of water-dependent reversible photoacid (W-RPA) and its antitumor effect are highlighted.