Photosensitization in life sciences

Abstract

Photosensitization occurs when photoactive compounds absorb light and transfer it to neighboring molecules, such that light energy is transformed into chemical. Nature uses the processes of photosensitization in an organized and controlled way. However, due to several factors, these processes can become uncontrolled, generating reactive species that cause damage to cells in tissues, i.e., skin of humans who are over exposed to the sun. Man leamed to use this photo-induced generation of excited and reactive species to destroy cells and tissues and consequently to treat several diseases, in a process called Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Our research goal is to understand, at the molecular level, the mechanisms of photosensitization that take place during PDT or during exaggerate exposure of animals and plants to the sun, using different systems of study: computational techniques, purified compounds and nanomaterials in solid phase and in isotropic solutions, biomimetic models and cell cultures. These models are usually used/dominated by researchers with distinct expertise's working in different disciplines, namely physics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacy and medicine. In this project we will work as a team to address the issue of photosensitization in a multidisciplinary manner, which is the ideal environment for training undergraduates, graduate and postdoctoral fellows and young researchers. In addition, collaboration with medical institutions allows that some of this knowledge is rapidly applied in clinical practice, bringing immediate benefits to the society. To achieve this overall goal we have identified four sub-projects which are: study of the PDT mechanisms, synthesis of new photosensitizer agents for PDT, characterization of the mechanisms of photosensitization induced by UVA, case studies in animals and humans. (AU)