Emerging trends in quantum dot-based photosensitizers for enhanced photodynamic therapy in cancer treatment

Background Cancer is a severe health problem globally. Various strategies, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, are utilized in the prevention and treatment of cancer. The increasing worldwide incidence of cancer is bringing on a demand for innovative therapeutic approaches. Photodynamic therapy is an innovative and promising cancer treatment strategy with various benefits, including lower toxicity, less invasiveness, targeted treatment, faster recovery, and reduced systemic adverse effects. Area covered This review provides an in-depth analysis of quantum dots, concentrating on their distinguishing characteristics, such as their remarkable oxygen production capabilities, outstanding photostability, variable surface functionalization, and their utilization in photodynamic treatment. Expert opinion Photodynamic therapy relies on three primary components: photosensitizer, optimum wavelength light, and oxygen. Photosensitizer serves as the most critical component. Contrasting traditional photosensitizers, frequently generated from porphyrins, utilizing nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy has shown several benefits in biodistribution, solubility, early biodegradation, and more efficient intercellular penetration in target cancer cells. In general, nanoparticles may be categorized as organic (made up of organic materials) or inorganic (with either physicochemical features obtained from inorganic elements like metals). Inorganic nanoparticles with semiconductor characteristics, such as quantum dots, have various biological uses, including biomedical imaging, and may be engineered for efficient photodynamic treatment. They efficiently absorb and emit light; when activated by light, they may form reactive oxygen species. Additionally, some quantum dots have been used in combination with regular photosensitizers to boost photoluminescence and enable photodynamic therapy.