Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in Candida spp. biofilms: In vitro and in vivo protocols

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a promising alternative in the microorganisms inactivation and infections caused by pathogenic fungi in planktonic and biofilm forms. The lack of development of resistance against this therapy makes it indicated even for the treatment of fungi resistant to antifungals. There are numerous in vitro studies that demonstrate the benefits of aPDT on pathogenic fungi with a high mortality rate, such as those of the genus Candida spp. However, studies show variations in the parameters used in their protocols, which makes it difficult to identify a more effective protocol for advancing studies in animal models. This review aimed to highlight the reported discrepancies between in vitro studies of aPDT as an antifungal therapy, making the translational protocol for in vivo studies a complex task.