6 - Dyes for the medical industry

Abstract

Due to the use of dyes as biological stains, dye therapy was the initial basis for chemotherapy and many modern drugs have dye antecedents. Dyes used in the medical field today may certainly be found as drug colourants, in vital staining, tracing and histopathology, but some also remain as chemotherapeutics. More modern applications include photosensitisers in light-activated therapies for cancer and infection and biocidal dyes for use in medical textiles. Such areas have also contributed to an increasing knowledge base concerning dye toxicity and mutagenicity.