Recent Advances in the Application of Silver Nanoparticles for Enhancing Phototherapy Outcomes
The therapeutic use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been increasing, especially in phototherapy strategies. The plasmonic properties of AgNPs have contributed to their excellent results as phototherapeutic agents, namely for photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and photodynami...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | Pharmaceuticals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/7/970 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1849251891295289344 |
|---|---|
| author | Rebeca M. Melo Gabriela M. Albuquerque Joalen P. Monte Giovannia A. L. Pereira Goreti Pereira |
| author_facet | Rebeca M. Melo Gabriela M. Albuquerque Joalen P. Monte Giovannia A. L. Pereira Goreti Pereira |
| author_sort | Rebeca M. Melo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The therapeutic use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been increasing, especially in phototherapy strategies. The plasmonic properties of AgNPs have contributed to their excellent results as phototherapeutic agents, namely for photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms. Moreover, the capacity of these nanostructures to release silver ions (Ag<sup>+</sup>) and enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been explored in combination with light to treat several diseases. Moreover, synthesis, functionalization, and conjugation strategies with targeting agents have been widely studied to optimize selectivity and maximize the therapeutic efficacy of these nanoplatforms. In this work, we reviewed the recent advancements (2019–2024) in the use of AgNPs for phototherapy applications, with an emphasis on evaluating therapeutic efficacy and specific targeting. According to the literature, in oncology, AgNPs have been predominately employed in PTT-based strategies, demonstrating significant tumor cell death and preservation of healthy tissues, in both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> studies. Concurrently, AgNP-mediated PDT has emerged as a promising approach for the eradication of bacteria and fungi, particularly those commonly associated with antibiotic resistance. The compiled data indicate that AgNPs represent an innovative and effective therapeutic alternative, with a strong potential for clinical translation, in both cancer treatment and the management of hard-to-treat infections. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e648ef039c3e4cfca1689aa2972659e0 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1424-8247 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Pharmaceuticals |
| spelling | doaj-art-e648ef039c3e4cfca1689aa2972659e02025-08-20T03:56:47ZengMDPI AGPharmaceuticals1424-82472025-06-0118797010.3390/ph18070970Recent Advances in the Application of Silver Nanoparticles for Enhancing Phototherapy OutcomesRebeca M. Melo0Gabriela M. Albuquerque1Joalen P. Monte2Giovannia A. L. Pereira3Goreti Pereira4Departamento de Química Fundamental, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, BrazilDepartamento de Química Fundamental, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, BrazilDepartamento de Química Fundamental, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, BrazilDepartamento de Química Fundamental, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, BrazilDepartamento de Química & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, PortugalThe therapeutic use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been increasing, especially in phototherapy strategies. The plasmonic properties of AgNPs have contributed to their excellent results as phototherapeutic agents, namely for photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms. Moreover, the capacity of these nanostructures to release silver ions (Ag<sup>+</sup>) and enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been explored in combination with light to treat several diseases. Moreover, synthesis, functionalization, and conjugation strategies with targeting agents have been widely studied to optimize selectivity and maximize the therapeutic efficacy of these nanoplatforms. In this work, we reviewed the recent advancements (2019–2024) in the use of AgNPs for phototherapy applications, with an emphasis on evaluating therapeutic efficacy and specific targeting. According to the literature, in oncology, AgNPs have been predominately employed in PTT-based strategies, demonstrating significant tumor cell death and preservation of healthy tissues, in both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> studies. Concurrently, AgNP-mediated PDT has emerged as a promising approach for the eradication of bacteria and fungi, particularly those commonly associated with antibiotic resistance. The compiled data indicate that AgNPs represent an innovative and effective therapeutic alternative, with a strong potential for clinical translation, in both cancer treatment and the management of hard-to-treat infections.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/7/970plasmonic nanoparticlesnanostructuresphotothermal therapyphotodynamic therapyphotodynamic inactivation |
| spellingShingle | Rebeca M. Melo Gabriela M. Albuquerque Joalen P. Monte Giovannia A. L. Pereira Goreti Pereira Recent Advances in the Application of Silver Nanoparticles for Enhancing Phototherapy Outcomes Pharmaceuticals plasmonic nanoparticles nanostructures photothermal therapy photodynamic therapy photodynamic inactivation |
| title | Recent Advances in the Application of Silver Nanoparticles for Enhancing Phototherapy Outcomes |
| title_full | Recent Advances in the Application of Silver Nanoparticles for Enhancing Phototherapy Outcomes |
| title_fullStr | Recent Advances in the Application of Silver Nanoparticles for Enhancing Phototherapy Outcomes |
| title_full_unstemmed | Recent Advances in the Application of Silver Nanoparticles for Enhancing Phototherapy Outcomes |
| title_short | Recent Advances in the Application of Silver Nanoparticles for Enhancing Phototherapy Outcomes |
| title_sort | recent advances in the application of silver nanoparticles for enhancing phototherapy outcomes |
| topic | plasmonic nanoparticles nanostructures photothermal therapy photodynamic therapy photodynamic inactivation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/7/970 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT rebecammelo recentadvancesintheapplicationofsilvernanoparticlesforenhancingphototherapyoutcomes AT gabrielamalbuquerque recentadvancesintheapplicationofsilvernanoparticlesforenhancingphototherapyoutcomes AT joalenpmonte recentadvancesintheapplicationofsilvernanoparticlesforenhancingphototherapyoutcomes AT giovanniaalpereira recentadvancesintheapplicationofsilvernanoparticlesforenhancingphototherapyoutcomes AT goretipereira recentadvancesintheapplicationofsilvernanoparticlesforenhancingphototherapyoutcomes |