Nanomaterials in Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy and Antibacterial Sonodynamic Therapy

Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and antibacterial sonodynamic therapy (aSDT) utilize sensitizers (photosensitizers/sonosensitizers) to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) for antibacterial treatment under the stimulation of light/ultrasound, which have the characteristics of broad‐spectrum antibacterial properties, low drug‐resistance, and effective targeting of infected tissues. Nanomaterials in aPDT/aSDT are primarily used as nano‐sensitizers or nano‐carriers of sensitizers. They enhance the stability and permeability of sensitizers, improve targeting of sensitizers, strengthen photodynamic/sonodynamic properties of sensitizers (modification of sensitizers absorption efficiency and light/ultrasonic response stress by modulation of nanoparticle shape, size, and structure). Also, they improve modifiability of sensitizers (controlling the release rate and time of the sensitizer as needed to optimize the therapeutic effect), enhance programmability and multifunctionality of sensitizers (flexible application of nanotechnology for designing sensitizers with multiple functions, such as drug delivery, targeted therapy, and therapeutic monitoring), and expand possibilities for combination therapies (the nano‐carriers can be loaded with other therapeutic agents, enabling combination therapies). Nanomaterials are expected to further promote the development of aPDT/aSDT and achieve improved antibacterial effects. This review summarizes the progress in nanomaterials in aPDT/aSDT in recent years and based on the current development strategies to provide a theoretical reference for the application of nanomaterials in aPDT/aSDT.