The Research Progress of Multi-source Photosensitizers for Tumor Therapy
Huang Yuzi1, Wang Wei1, Li Yan1, Zhang Yuting1, Geng Peng1,2*, Lan Haichuang1, Huang Wenquan2*, Xiao Shuzhang1*
1(Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China) 2(College of Medicine and Health Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China)
Abstract：Malignant tumors pose a significant threat to human health, and breakthroughs in treatment technologies are of crucial clinical importance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), as a non-invasive and highly selective cancer treatment strategy, has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its unique advantages,including precise targeting and strong controllability. This technique utilizes photosensitizers (PSs) that, when exposed to light of a specific wavelength, generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), which selectively induce apoptosis in tumor cells. As the core component of PDT, the physicochemical properties of photosensitizers—such as light absorption characteristics, ROS quantum yield, and biocompatibility—directly determine the therapeutic efficacy and clinical translation potential. This review systematically summarized the latest researchprogress on inorganic, organic, and metal-organic framework-based photosensitizers, exploring their potential applications in tumor treatment from multiple perspectives. It also highlighted the key scientific challenges and technical bottlenecks in the field. Finally, the review discusses the molecular design strategies and development directions for next-generation high-performance photosensitizers, providing theoretical insights for the design and optimization of new PSs.
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