Affiliation:
1. Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2. Dental
Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3. Fellowship in
Clinical Laboratory Sciences, BioHealth Lab, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Abstract:
The use of new approaches is necessary to address the global issue of infections caused by
drug-resistant pathogens. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a promising approach that
reduces the emergence of drug resistance, and no resistance has been reported thus far. APDT involves
using a photosensitizer (PS), a light source, and oxygen. The mechanism of aPDT is that a
specific wavelength of light is directed at the PS in the presence of oxygen, which activates the PS
and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), consequently causing damage to microbial cells. However,
due to the PS's poor stability, low solubility in water, and limited bioavailability, it is necessary
to employ drug delivery platforms to enhance the effectiveness of PS in photodynamic therapy
(PDT). Exosomes are considered a desirable carrier for PS due to their specific characteristics, such
as low immunogenicity, innate stability, and high ability to penetrate cells, making them a promising
platform for drug delivery. Additionally, exosomes also possess antimicrobial properties, although in
some cases, they may enhance microbial pathogenicity. As there are limited studies on the use of
exosomes for drug delivery in microbial infections, this review aims to present significant points that
can provide accurate insights.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.