Electrospun Nanofiber Platforms for Photodynamic Therapy: Role and Efficacy in Cancer, Antimicrobial, and Wound Healing Applications

Abstract

Electrospinning offers a versatile platform for developing nanofibrous scaffolds capable of enhancing the therapeutic potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Photosensitizer (PS) loaded fibers exhibit a high surface area-to-volume ratio, promoting efficient drug delivery, prolonged retention at the target site, and controlled release profiles. Inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation through light activation offers a targeted therapeutic approach, selectively generating cytotoxic effects in cancerous or pathogenic cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This selective cytotoxicity arises because the ROS are produced only in illuminated areas where PS releases and accumulates, limiting their harmful effects to desired regions. Additionally, PS-loaded fibers are highly effective in wound healing applications, promoting cell proliferation and tissue regeneration while providing a barrier against microbial infections. This review highlights recent advances in the design and biomedical application of PS-loaded nanofibers, emphasizing their influence on cell viability and effectiveness in microbial inhibition, thereby setting the stage for future innovations in cancer therapy, wound healing, and infection control.