Deepened Photodynamic Therapy through Skin Optical Clearing Technology in the Visible Light Window
Yanji Chu1, Wenhui Zhang1, Bin Yuan1
1Key Laboratory of Advanced Light Conversion Materials and Biophotonics, Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|December 20, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel skin optical clearing gel to enhance deep photodynamic therapy (PDT). The gel improves visible light penetration, enabling efficient tumor cell eradication even through skin tissue.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photomedicine
- Dermatology
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using photosensitizers (PS) is limited by shorter wavelengths' poor skin penetration.
- This trade-off restricts the development of effective deep PDT treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overcome the penetration depth limitation in visible-light PDT.
- To develop a strategy for deep PDT using skin optical clearing technology.
Main Methods:
- Developed a skin optical clearing gel to reduce light scattering and refractive index inhomogeneity.
- Evaluated visible light transmittance through ex vivo and in vivo skin models.
- Assessed reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and tumor cell eradication efficiency.
Main Results:
- The optical clearing gel significantly increased visible light (600 nm) transmittance through porcine and mouse skin.
- ROS generation efficiency in tumor cells was several times higher with the gel treatment.
- Complete eradication of tumor cells was achieved, even when shielded by skin.
Conclusions:
- Visible-light-tailored deep PDT combined with skin optical clearing is feasible and effective.
- This approach significantly enhances light penetration and therapeutic efficacy.
- The strategy offers a promising advancement for deep PDT applications.
