Graphene for Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy is a medical tool to treat diverse diseases such as cancer and infections caused from bacteria and fungi. Photodynamic therapy involves the use of light sources and photosensitive molecules to produce reactive oxygen species responsible for killing ill cell, bacteria and fungi. Recent advances in nanotechnology and nanoparticle fabrication open new strategies to improve the efficiency and selectively of photodynamic therapy. In this chapter, we summarize the principles that govern photodynamic process and advantages in using graphene in conjugation with photodynamic agents. It is expected that graphene and graphene-based material enhance the photosensitivity of common agents improving the therapy results.