Curcumin is currently under investigation as a potential photosensitiser in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). Previous studies have demonstrated high phototoxicity towards Gram-positive (G+) bacteria, but lower effect on Gram-negative (G-) bacteria.

Curcumin, bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione, has potential as a photosensitiser for photodynamic treatment of localised superficial infections in e.g., the mouth or skin.

Curcumin has potential as a photosensitiser (PS) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for localised superficial infections. However, it is a challenge to make an optimal curcumin formulation in which curcumin has acceptable solubility and stability at physiological pH and combined with high selective phototoxic activity towards bacteria.