Topical application is the preferred administration route of the photosensitizer (PS) in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), e.g. for the treatment of infections in the oral cavity or skin. The drug formulation should allow for a sufficient contact time between the preparation and tissue, a rapid release of PS, and a selective uptake of PS in bacteria.

Curcumin is under investigation as a potential photosensitizer (PS) in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). The therapeutic potential of curcumin as a PS is limited by its low aqueous solubility, susceptibility to hydrolytic and photolytic degradation, and limited phototoxicity toward Gram negative (G-) bacteria.

Curcumin loaded alginate foams are proposed for application in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy of infected wounds. The drug loaded foams were formulated to provide a burst release of the photosensitizer when hydrated

Curcumin loaded alginate foams are proposed for application in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy of infected wounds. The drug loaded foams were formulated to provide a burst release of the photosensitizer when hydrated.

Natural curcumin was evaluated as a potential photosensitizer for oral applications. The photocytotoxicity of curcumin on salivary gland acinar cells (SM 10-12) was investigated in five aqueous preparations consisting of 5% DMSO, non-ionic micelles, cyclodextrin, liposomes, or a hydrophilic polymer.