Work

Photosensitizer-loaded hydrogels: A new antibacterial dressing

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Significance Bacterial wound infections are a global health crisis, worsened by antibiotic resistance. PS-loaded hydrogels offer a promising alternative, using PS to combat infections without antibiotics, aligning with global health goals to curb resistance. Approach This review systematically assesses the role of PS-loaded hydrogels in bacterial wound treatment, synthesizing literature from multiple databases. It details PS design, hydrogel formulation, and integration techniques, focusing on their synergistic potential in PDT. Results PS-loaded hydrogels show robust antibacterial activity and overcome PS limitations, with hydrogels enhancing PDT efficacy, offering targeted treatment and real-time imaging. Conclusions PS-loaded hydrogel dressings are a strategic approach to bacterial infections, particularly in wounds. They reduce PS dosage, lower resistance risks, and mitigate phototoxicity. A decade of development positions them as a mature alternative in bacterial treatment, with promising clinical prospects.

Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2025.104936

Author: Xia Lei

Institution: Army Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Photodynamic Therapy Research Studies

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610