The utilization of light for therapeutic interventions, also known as
phototherapy, has been extensively employed in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses, including
cancer. Despite the benefits of its non-invasive nature,
phototherapy still faces challenges pertaining to the delivery of phototherapeutic agents,
phototoxicity, and light delivery. The incorporation of nanomaterials and bacteria in
phototherapy has emerged as a promising approach that leverages the unique properties of each component. The resulting nano-bacteria biohybrids exhibit enhanced therapeutic efficacy when compared to either component individually. In this review, we summarize and discuss the various strategies for assembling nano-bacteria biohybrids and their applications in
phototherapy. We provide a comprehensive overview of the properties and functionalities of nanomaterials and cells in the biohybrids. Notably, we highlight the roles of bacteria beyond their function as
drug vehicles, particularly their capacity to produce bioactive molecules. Despite being in its early stage, the integration of photoelectric nanomaterials and genetically engineered bacteria holds promise as an effective biosystem for antitumor
phototherapy. The utilization of nano-bacteria biohybrids in
phototherapy is a promising avenue for future investigation, with the potential to enhance treatment outcomes for
cancer patients.