Photosensitizer

Photosensitizer

A photosensitizer is a molecule that produces a chemical change in another molecule in a photochemical process. Photosensitizers are commonly used in photodynamic therapy for treating cancer and other diseases. They can also be used in photolithography, photochemistry, and in a variety of other applications.

Mechanism of action

Photosensitizers work by absorbing light energy and transferring it to other molecules. The energy can be transferred either by a process called energy transfer, in which the energy is transferred directly to the other molecule, or by a process called electron transfer, in which an electron is transferred from the photosensitizer to the other molecule.

In photodynamic therapy, the photosensitizer is administered to the patient and then activated by light of a specific wavelength. The activated photosensitizer then transfers its energy to oxygen molecules, producing reactive oxygen species that can kill cancer cells.

Types of photosensitizers

There are several types of photosensitizers, including porphyrins, chlorins, and phthalocyanines. Each type has its own unique properties and uses.

Porphyrins

Porphyrins are a group of organic compounds that are widely used as photosensitizers. They have a complex ring structure that allows them to absorb light in the visible spectrum. Porphyrins are used in photodynamic therapy and in the production of solar cells.

Chlorins

Chlorins are a type of photosensitizer that are derived from chlorophyll, the molecule that plants use to absorb light for photosynthesis. Chlorins have a similar structure to porphyrins, but they absorb light at longer wavelengths. This makes them particularly useful for photodynamic therapy, as they can penetrate deeper into tissues.

Phthalocyanines

Phthalocyanines are a type of photosensitizer that are similar to porphyrins and chlorins, but they have a larger ring structure. This allows them to absorb light at even longer wavelengths, making them useful for applications that require deep penetration into tissues.

See also

• Photodynamic therapy
• Photochemistry
• Photolithography

References

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