Photochemical Generation and Regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species: From Molecular Mechanisms to Health and Environmental Impacts
A special issue of Photochem (ISSN 2673-7256).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 3551
Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue of Photochem seeks to assemble cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that address the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in photochemistry. Photochemical processes that generate ROS are numerous in biological settings, especially photodynamic therapy (PDT). Light-activated photosensitizers transfer energy or electrons to nearby molecules to create ROS in PDT. These processes, known as Type I (electron transfer) and Type II (energy transfer), may occur concurrently and are modulated by molecular oxygen concentration. For example, photo-oxidation and photoreduction of benzoquinones and catechols by methylene blue and chlorophyll metabolites generate ROS [1].
Photodynamic therapy targets tissues for ROS-mediated cell death by the combination of molecular oxygen, photosensitizer uptake, and light exposure. A recent review in Photochem highlights the range of PDT applications, including treatment of solid tumors, bacterial infections, and skin conditions [2]. Furthermore, this review article highlights challenges of tissue light penetration, uptake of photosensitizers and ROS production.
ROS are also generated in environmental settings because photosynthesis is the most widely occurring photochemical process on Earth. Photoexcitation of chlorophyll initiates electron transfer to plastoquinone in chloroplasts. Yet, when light is excessive, ROS are produced. Plants have evolved mechanisms to mitigate damage by ROS using antioxidants. Aquatic ecosystems that contain chlorophyll as part of phytoplankton are also susceptible to ROS-mediated pathways and oxygen depletion.
We seek contributions that delve into the photochemical generation of ROS and their intentional use in health and environmental settings.
1. Phan, K.; Lessard, E.E.; Reed, J.A.; Warsen, M.G.; Zimmer, S.; Landino, L.M. Concurrent Photooxidation and Photoreduction of Catechols and Para-Quinones by Chlorophyll Metabolites. Photochem 2024, 4, 346-360. https://doi.org/10.3390/photochem4030021
2. Allamyradov, Y.; ben Yosef, J.; Annamuradov, B.; Ateyeh, M.; Street, C.; Whipple, H.; Er, A.O. Photodynamic Therapy Review: Past, Present, Future, Opportunities and Challenges. Photochem 2024, 4, 434-461. https://doi.org/10.3390/photochem4040027
Prof. Dr. Lisa Landino
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- reactive oxygen species
- singlet oxygen
- chlorophyll
- photosensitizer
- photodynamic therapy
- electron transfer
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