Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Design, Synthesis, And Biological Evaluation Of Folate Targeted Photosensitizers For Photodynamic Therapy, Laura Jean Donahue

Dissertations

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used to treat cancer, and involves a highly conjugated molecule, called a photosensitizer (PS), which is excited by wavelengths of light from visible to infrared. Photosensitizers that are highly conjugated will absorb longer wavelengths (600 – 900 nm), and have the potential to destroy cells of deeper tissue cancers. In PDT, a PS is administered to the patient, and after an appropriate time delay, the tissue is then exposed to light of a specific wavelength necessary for excitation of the PS. A transfer of energy can take place between the excited PS and oxygen that is …

Synthesis And Testing Of Photosensitizer-Folate Conjugates And Potential Photosensitizers For Photodynamic Therapy, Jeffrey A. Trautmann

Dissertations

Dissertation Proposal for Jeffrey Trautmann

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a technique that destroys oncogenic (cancerous) cells. It has been used in several countries since the 1980’s. Molecules that contain chromophores can function as photosensitizers, and will absorb light at various wavelengths (that being dependent upon the extent of their conjugation). Certain functional groups, upon absorption of light, can be used to convert O2 to singlet oxygens which are destructive to the cellular environment. Once an in-vitro cell contains a high enough concentration of photosensitizer material and light is able to reach the photosensitizer material, PDT can be used effectively to …