Nanomaterial-Assisted Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy for Acne Vulgaris

BACKGROUNDPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) showed promising efficacy for acne vulgaris in recent studies. Nevertheless, their therapeutic efficacy for acne vulgaris may be restricted by limited light penetration and insufficient accumulation of photosensitizers or photothermal agents within the pilosebaceous unit. Nanomaterial-assisted strategy may help overcome limitations and enhance the efficacy of acne vulgaris PDT and PTT. This strategy can assist acne vulgaris PDT and PTT in follicular delivery, local light capture, and optical energy conversion, and support combination therapies that integrate PDT, PTT, and other treatment approaches. This review summarizes studies on nanomaterial-assisted PDT and PTT for acne vulgaris, systematically discussing the potential mechanisms by which nanomaterials enhance their therapeutic efficacy.

AIMThis review aims to elucidate how nanomaterials enhance PDT and PTT efficacy in acne vulgaris and to show their potential as novel therapeutic strategies for acne vulgaris.

METHODSThe PubMed database was searched using terms including “acne vulgaris,” “PDT,” “PTT,” and “nanomaterials,” focusing on the mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy of nanomaterial-assisted PDT and PTT for acne vulgaris.

RESULTSGiven the limited database and search scope, this review provides a non-exhaustive synthesis of current evidence. Preliminary findings suggest that nanomaterials can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of PDT and PTT for acne vulgaris. However, the evidence is largely limited to preclinical and small, single-arm clinical studies.

CONCLUSIONSNanomaterial-assisted PDT and PTT represent promising therapeutic approaches for acne vulgaris. Further clinical trials are needed to facilitate their clinical translation.

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