Nanoparticle-mediated photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy: A novel strategy for antifungal drug delivery and treatment

Fungal infections represent considerable global health risks, especially in immunocompromised populations. Despite advances in antifungal medications, existing therapies are limited by toxicity, inadequate absorption, and the rise of drug-resistant fungus species. In this review, we explore the novel uses of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and nanoparticle-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) as cutting-edge approaches to improving the effectiveness and delivery of antifungal medications. In addition to addressing the difficulties presented by treatment-resistant fungal diseases, the study emphasizes the potential of nanomaterials to enhance drug solubility, targeting, and controlled release. Using nanomaterials such as gold, silver, and carbon-based nanoparticles has demonstrated encouraging results in improving therapy outcomes against pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Furthermore, the combination of PTT and PDT, together with standard antifungal drugs, may overcome ways to resist by damaging fungal cell structures via localized heat and reactive oxygen species production. The analysis finds that nanotechnology-based techniques have significant potential for overcoming the limits of traditional antifungal medicines and improving clinical outcomes for fungal infections.