Advanced Topics in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and Photo Diagnosis (PD)

Dear Colleagues,

In 1900, the German medical student Oscar Raab, a student of the renowned pharmacologist Hermann von Tappeiner, observed for the first time the effect of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) on protozoa of the genus Paramecium. In the presence of the acridine dye, Raab found that the protozoa were killed after exposure to light. However, they remained viable in the dark, concluding that death occurred through the dye's interaction with light and in the presence of molecular oxygen. PDT is a therapeutic modality that consists of the combined action of a photosensitizer (PS), the light at a suitable wavelength for the absorption of this compound, and molecular oxygen, generating reactive oxygen species that induce cell death.

PDT has received considerable interest as a promising treatment modality for various cancers and certain pre-malignant diseases. However, there is growing interest in its use in providing treatment protocols for parasitic diseases. In addition, the widespread use of antimicrobials to control infections caused by bacteria and fungi has led to the development of strains resistant to available therapeutic agents, posing a significant threat to global public health. Therefore, antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) has been studied as a promising therapeutic alternative to combat strains resistant to conventional antibiotics.

Photo diagnosis (PD) is a non-invasive technique and enables real-time diagnosis. Diagnostic imaging, microscopy, and spectroscopy can enable quantitative and qualitative analyses. These are alternative techniques that can be used for diagnoses, but they can also be used in the investigation of alterations in the metabolic activity of the cell. They have been used in oncology, microbiology, parasitology, and aesthetics, among others, in a unique way or as an adjunct in the diagnosis and development of studies that evaluate cellular mechanisms.

The search for new therapies for the treatment and diagnosis of infectious diseases is one of the main challenges of the 21st century, and photonics therapies can be an excellent alternative and contribute significantly to the advancement of health.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

• Antiviral and antifungal photodynamic therapy;
• Antimicrobial photodynamic treatment;
• Treatment and control of parasitic diseases;
• Photobiology photochemistry;
• Photosensitizing agents;
• Photo diagnosis and tumor imaging;
• Photosensitizers;
• Photomedicine;
• Photochemistry.

Prof. Dr. Juliana Ferreira-Strixino
Guest Editor

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