Nitroreductase-activatable photosensitizers for selective antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.

ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) utilizes light, oxygen and a photosensitizer (PS) to enact cell death via the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This mechanism of cell death, via oxidative stress, has allowed aPDT to be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, with the development of resistance being minimal as no specific pathway is targeted. While promising, as ambient light can activate PSs, damage to mammalian tissues can occur, leading to drug-induced photosensitivity. To mitigate this, we developed a nitroreductase-activatable PS containing a quenching group that inhibits fluorescence and ROS. Upon reaction with nitroreductase, the quenching group can be liberated, restoring fluorescence and ROS production. As nitroreductase is not p

SUBMITTER: Tung MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11883423 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature