Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive cancer treatment alternative to current cancer treatments. Studies have shown that photosensitive agents absorb light at selective wavelengths and can chemically change the internal environment of cancer cells by exciting oxygen molecules to the singlet state which reacts quickly with nearby tissues, causing cell death to cancer cells while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. We are exploring the light absorbing properties of organic compounds to determine their potential and efficiency as photosensitive agents. Solutions of these compounds, in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethanol, were investigated using UV-Vis spectrometry. Based on their visible absorption spectra, Zinc Phthalocyanine and Manganese Phthalocyanine are the best candidates as photosensitizers currently, with absorption peaks between 600 and 800 nm in both ethanol and DMSO. Other possible candidates will also be presented.

Screening of organic compounds for use as photosensitizers in photodymanic therapy (PDT) treatment of cancer

245th National Meeting (2013)

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