Photophysical properties and therapeutic use of natural photosensitizers
Letícia Christina Pires Gonçalves
Abstract
Many natural processes depend on light energy, which is harnessed by means of photosensitizers. In plants, the photosensitized generation of reactive oxygen species is part of the mechanism of protection against biotic and abiotic stress. The toxicity of this mechanism to cells, inspired the use of light and photosensitizers in medicine. In animal cells, photosensitizers are used in phototherapy. This mini-review overviews the application of natural photosensitizers in therapeutic methods, such as photodynamic therapy of cancer and noncancerous tissues and antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation and compiles their photophysical properties.
Topics & Concepts
Photodynamic therapyPhotosensitizerAntimicrobialChemistryCancer therapySinglet oxygenLight energyMechanism (biology)NanotechnologyCancerPhotochemistryMaterials scienceBiologyOxygenOrganic chemistryPhysicsEpistemologyGeneticsPhilosophyOpticsPhotodynamic Therapy Research StudiesNanoplatforms for cancer theranosticsEssential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity