Polymeric Nanoparticle-Loaded Indocyanine Green for Antimicrobial Photodynamic
Therapy in Periodontitis: A Mini-Review
Nada Mahmoud Salem Soliman1*, Nevine Hassan Kheir El Din2, Hadeel Gamal Salem Al Malahy3, Nashwa El-Khazragy4
1BDS 2017, Faculty of Dentistry, Misr International University, Cairo, Egypt
2Professor of Oral Medicine, Periodontology and Oral Diagnosis, Faculty of
Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Egypt
3Lecturer of Oral Medicine, Periodontology and Oral Diagnosis, Faculty of
Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Egypt
4Assistant Professor of Clinical Pathology/Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain
Shams University, Egypt
*Corresponding Author: Nada Mahmoud Salem Soliman, BDS 2017, Faculty of
Dentistry, Misr International University, Cairo, Egypt.
Received:
June 15, 2026; Published: July 02, 2026
Objective: Non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) is considered the gold standard for the treatment of periodontitis; however, its effectiveness may be limited by the inability to completely eliminate pathogenic microorganisms from deep periodontal pockets and complex root surfaces. As a result, residual bacteria may persist and contribute to disease progression. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has emerged as a promising alternative adjunctive approach. aPDT utilizes a photosensitizer activated by a specific wavelength of light in the presence of oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species that destroy microbial cells. Indocyanine green (ICG), a near-infrared photosensitizer approved for clinical use, has demonstrated both photodynamic and photothermal antimicrobial effects. Nevertheless, the efficacy of free ICG is limited by poor penetration through bacterial membranes, rapid clearance, and restricted diffusion through biofilms. To address these limitations, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles have been developed to improve photosensitizer stability, retention, and targeted delivery. This mini-review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding polymeric nanoparticles, particularly poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), as carriers for photosensitizers in periodontal PDT.
Keywords: NSPT; Periodontitis; Photodynamic Therapy; PDT; Indocyanine Green; PLGA; Photosensitizer
Abbreviations: NSPT: Non Surgical Periodontal Therapy; ICG: Indocynaine Green; PLGA: Polylactic Co Glycolic Acid Nanoparticles; PDT: Photodynamic Therapy.
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