Light Of Specific Wavelength Research Articles

Rhodamine-Conjugated Anti-Stokes Gold Nanoparticles with Higher ROS Quantum Yield as Theranostic Probe to Arrest Cancer and MDR Bacteria.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has recently become significant as a clinical modality for cancer therapy and multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections, replacing conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy protocols. PDT involves the excitation of certain nontoxic molecules called photosensitizers (PS), applying a specific wavelength of light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to treat cancer cells and other pathogens. Rhodamine 6G (R6G) is a well-known laser dye with poor aqueous solubility, and lower sensitivity poses an issue in using PS for PDT. Nanocarrier systems are needed to deliver R6G to cancer targets since PDT requires a higher accumulation of PS. It was found that R6G-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have a higher ROS quantum yield of 0.92 compared to 0.3 in an aqueous R6G solution, increasing their potency as PS. Cytotoxicity assessment on A549 cells and antibacterial assay on MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected from a sewage treatment plant are the evidence to support efficient PDT. In addition to their enhanced quantum yields, the decorated particles are effective in generating fluorescent signals that can be used for cellular imaging and real-time optical imaging, and the presence of AuNP is a valuable addition to CT imaging. Furthermore, the fabricated particle exhibits anti-Stokes properties, which makes it suitable for use as a background-free biological imaging agent. As a result, R6G-conjugated AuNP is an effective theranostic agent that prevents the progression of cancer and MDR bacteria, along with contrasting abilities in medical imaging with minimal toxicity observed in in vitro and in vivo assays using zebrafish embryos.

Recent progress in studies of photocages

AbstractPhotocages are a class of substances containing photosensitive groups, also known as “photoremovable protecting groups”, from which target substances are released upon exposure to specific wavelengths of light. The substances released in the light‐promoted processes have chemical or biological properties that enable them to carry specifically designed functions. As a result, photocages can be utilized in various fields such as chemistry, biology, and medicine. In this paper, progress made in research carried out in recent years aimed at developing photocage molecules with different photosensitive moieties is reviewed.

Comparison between Target Sample Check Illuminator and White Light Observation in Discriminating the Presence of Target Specimen for Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Sample

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is an essential endoscopic tissue sampling method for diagnosing pancreatobiliary diseases; however, determining the presence of target specimens mixed in the blood by conventional observation is challenging due to the small size of the obtained sample. This study investigated the usefulness of a target sample check illuminator (TSCI) that emits a specific wavelength of light to determine the presence of target specimens. Twenty-seven patients who underwent EUS-FNA at our hospital were included. Conventional white light observation was performed for the collected samples, followed by TSCI; six people evaluated the presence of the target specimen on a 5-point scale. The target specimen discrimination score using TSCI (median: 5) was significantly higher than that using conventional white light observation (median: 1) (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the discrimination score between the evaluator (novice vs. expert, p = 0.162) and puncture needle (22G vs. 25G, p = 0.196). The discriminability of TSCI in the samples obtained using EUS-FNA was significantly higher than that of conventional observation. TSCI does not depend on the evaluator or puncture needle for the identification of the target specimen; hence, it can provide a good pathological specimen and may contribute to the improvement of the diagnostic ability.

Data-Independent Acquisition Proteomics Reveals the Effects of Red and Blue Light on the Growth and Development of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) Seedlings

Moso bamboo is a rapidly growing species with significant economic, social, and cultural value. Transplanting moso bamboo container seedlings for afforestation has become a cost-effective method. The growth and development of the seedlings is greatly affected by the quality of light, including light morphogenesis, photosynthesis, and secondary metabolite production. Therefore, studies on the effects of specific light wavelengths on the physiology and proteome of moso bamboo seedlings are crucial. In this study, moso bamboo seedlings were germinated in darkness and then exposed to blue and red light conditions for 14 days. The effects of these light treatments on seedling growth and development were observed and compared through proteomics analysis. Results showed that moso bamboo has higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency under blue light, while it displays longer internode and root length, more dry weight, and higher cellulose content under red light. Proteomics analysis reveals that these changes under red light are likely caused by the increased content of cellulase CSEA, specifically expressed cell wall synthetic proteins, and up-regulated auxin transporter ABCB19 in red light. Additionally, blue light is found to promote the expression of proteins constituting photosystem II, such as PsbP and PsbQ, more than red light. These findings provide new insights into the growth and development of moso bamboo seedlings regulated by different light qualities.

Promising onychomycosis treatment with hypericin-mediated photodynamic therapy: Case reports

BackgroundOnychomycosis (OM) is a common nail plate disorder caused by dermatophyte molds, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds, which use keratin in the nail plate as an energy source. OM is characterized by dyschromia, increased nail thickness, subungual hyperkeratosis, and onychodystrophy, and is typically treated with conventional antifungals despite frequent reports of toxicity, fungal resistance, and OM recurrence. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with hypericin (Hyp) as a photosensitizer (PS) stands out as a promising therapeutic modality. When excited by a specific wavelength of light and in the presence of oxygen, to lead to photochemical and photobiological reactions on the selected targets. MethodsOM diagnosis was made in three suspected cases, and the causative agents were identified by classical and molecular methods, and confirmed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Susceptibility of planktonic cells of the clinical isolates to conventional antifungals and PDT-Hyp was evaluated, and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) of Hyp permeation in nail fragments ex vivo was analyzed. Furthermore, the patients opted to undergo PDT-Hyp treatment and were subsequently followed up. The protocol was approved by the human ethics committee (CAAE, number 14107419.4.0000.0104). ResultsThe etiological agents of OM in patients ID 01 and ID 02 belonged to the Fusarium solani species complex, being identified as Fusarium keratoplasticum (CMRP 5514) and Fusarium solani (CMRP 5515), respectively. For patient ID 03, the OM agent was identified as Trichophyton rubrum (CMRP 5516). PDT-Hyp demonstrated a fungicidal effect in vitro, with reductions of p3 log10 (p < 0.0051 and p < 0.0001), and the PAS analyses indicated that Hyp could completely permeate through both healthy and OM-affected nails. After four sessions of PDT-Hyp, mycological cure was observed in all three cases, and after seven months, clinical cure was confirmed. ConclusionPDT-Hyp showed satisfactory results in terms of efficacy and safety, and thus can be considered a promising therapy for the clinical treatment of OM.

Insight into the Crosstalk between Photodynamic Therapy and Immunotherapy in Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is the world's second most frequent malignancy and the leading cause of mortality among women. All in situ or invasive breast cancer derives from terminal tubulobular units; when the tumor is present only in the ducts or lobules in situ, it is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)/lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). The biggest risk factors are age, mutations in breast cancer genes 1 or 2 (BRCA1 or BRCA2), and dense breast tissue. Current treatments are associated with various side effects, recurrence, and poor quality of life. The critical role of the immune system in breast cancer progression/regression should always be considered. Several immunotherapy techniques for BC have been studied, including tumor-targeted antibodies (bispecific antibodies), adoptive T cell therapy, vaccinations, and immune checkpoint inhibition with anti-PD-1 antibodies. In the last decade, significant breakthroughs have been made in breast cancer immunotherapy. This advancement was principally prompted by cancer cells' escape of immune regulation and the tumor's subsequent resistance to traditional therapy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown potential as a cancer treatment. It is less intrusive, more focused, and less damaging to normal cells and tissues. It entails the employment of a photosensitizer (PS) and a specific wavelength of light to create reactive oxygen species. Recently, an increasing number of studies have shown that PDT combined with immunotherapy improves the effect of tumor drugs and reduces tumor immune escape, improving the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Therefore, we objectively evaluate strategies for their limitations and benefits, which are critical to improving outcomes for breast cancer patients. In conclusion, we offer many avenues for further study on tailored immunotherapy, such as oxygen-enhanced PDT and nanoparticles.

The Synergic Effect of Erythrosine and Gold Nanoparticles in Photodynamic Inactivation

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a process that uses photosensitizing substances to produce reactive oxygen species. This is achieved by exposing photosensitizers to specific wavelengths of light and causing oxidative damage in cells. This sterilization technique is commonly utilized and has been extensively investigated owing to its environmentally friendly and inert characteristics. In this study, erythrosine was selected as the photosensitizer and a green light-emitting diode was used as the light source. Due to their excellent biocompatibility, gold nanoparticles were added; these acted as a carrier for erythrosine, linking it to Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells. Colony-forming unit plate counting and LIVE/DEAD bacterial viability tests were performed. A synergic PDI effect of the photosensitizer, light, and gold nanoparticles was demonstrated. After irradiation for 9 min, a bacterial death rate higher than 97% was achieved. Finally, to study the mechanism of E. coli death, we conducted reactive oxygen species tests by adding different scavengers, and concluded that the bacterial death was due to the production of singlet oxygen (Type II reaction).

The pulse light mode enhances the effect of photobiomodulation on B16F10 melanoma cells through autophagy pathway.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the use of low irradiance light of specific wavelengths to generate physiological changes and therapeutic effects. However, there are few studies on the effects of PBM of different LED light modes on cells. Here, we investigated the difference of influence between continuous wave (CW) and pulse-PBM on B16F10 melanoma cells. Our results suggested that the pulse mode had a more significant PBM than the CW mode on B16F10 melanoma cells. Our study confirmed that ROS and Ca2+ levels in B16F10 melanoma cells treated with pulse-PBM were significantly higher than those in the control and CW-PBM groups. One mechanism that causes the difference in CW and pulse-PBM action is that pulse-PBM activates autophagy of melanoma cells through the ROS/OPN3/Ca2+ signaling pathway, and excessive autophagy activation inhibits proliferation and apoptosis of melanoma cells. Autophagy may be one of the reasons for the difference between pulse- and CW-PBM on melanoma cells. More importantly, melanoma cells responded to brief PBM pulses by increasing intracellular Ca2+ levels.

The power of light: Impact on the performance of biocontrol agents under minimal nutrient conditions.

The spectral distribution of light (different wavelength) has recently been identified as an important factor in the dynamics and function of leaf-associated microbes. This study investigated the impact of different wavelength on three commercial biocontrol agents (BCA): Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA), Pseudomonas chlororaphis (PC), and Streptomyces griseoviridis (SG). The impact of light exposure on sole carbon source utilization, biofilm formation, and biosurfactant production by the selected BCA was studied using phenotypic microarray (PM) including 190 sole carbon sources (OmniLog®, PM panels 1 and 2). The BCA were exposed to five monochromatic light conditions (420, 460, 530, 630, and 660 nm) and darkness during incubation, at an intensity of 50 μmol m-2 s-1. Light exposure together with specific carbon source increased respiration in all three BCA. Different wavelengths of light influenced sole carbon utilization for the different BCA, with BA and PC showing increased respiration when exposed to wavelengths within the blue spectrum (420 and 460 nm) while respiration of selected carbon sources by SG increased in the presence of red light (630 and 660 nm). Only one carbon source (capric acid) generated biosurfactant production in all three BCA. A combination of specific wavelength of light and sole carbon source increased biofilm formation in all three BCA. BA showed significantly higher biofilm formation when exposed to blue (460 nm) and green (530 nm) light and propagated in D-sucrose, D-fructose, and dulcitol. PC showed higher biofilm formation when exposed to blue light. Biofilm formation by SG increased when exposed to red light (630 nm) and propagated in citraconic acid. To increase attachment and success in BCA introduced into the phyllosphere, a suitable combination of light quality and nutrient conditions could be used.

Zero Dimensional–Two Dimensional Hybrid Photodetectors Using Multilayer MoS2 and Lead Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots with a Tunable Bandgap

We report high-performance 0D-2D hybrid photodetectors integrated with tunable band gap perovskite (CsPbI3, CsXFAX-1PbI3, and FAPbI3) quantum dots and MOCVD-grown bilayer MoS2. In our hybrid structure, the lead halide PQDs can be utilized as an absorbing layer of light of specific wavelengths and transfer the photogenerated carriers to the MoS2 transport layer. With tunable wavelength lead halide PQDs, the 0D-2D hybrid photodetector shows a high responsivity up to 107 AW-1 and high specific detectivity exceeding 1013 Jones due to the difference in the built-in potential between PQDs and multilayer MoS2 layers. This work proposes the possibility of fabricating high-performance photodetectors by hybridizing PQDs of various band gaps with 2D materials.

An Overview of Potential Natural Photosensitizers in Cancer Photodynamic Therapy.

Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. There are several different types of cancer recognized thus far, which can be treated by different approaches including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination thereof. However, these approaches have certain drawbacks and limitations. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is regarded as an alternative noninvasive approach for cancer treatment based on the generation of toxic oxygen (known as reactive oxygen species (ROS)) at the treatment site. PDT requires photoactivation by a photosensitizer (PS) at a specific wavelength (λ) of light in the vicinity of molecular oxygen (singlet oxygen). The cell death mechanisms adopted in PDT upon PS photoactivation are necrosis, apoptosis and stimulation of the immune system. Over the past few decades, the use of natural compounds as a photoactive agent for the selective eradication of neoplastic lesions has attracted researchers' attention. Many reviews have focused on the PS cell death mode of action and photonanomedicine approaches for PDT, while limited attention has been paid to the photoactivation of phytocompounds. Photoactivation is ever-present in nature and also found in natural plant compounds. The availability of various laser light setups can play a vital role in the discovery of photoactive phytocompounds that can be used as a natural PS. Exploring phytocompounds for their photoactive properties could reveal novel natural compounds that can be used as a PS in future pharmaceutical research. In this review, we highlight the current research regarding several photoactive phytocompound classes (furanocoumarins, alkaloids, poly-acetylenes and thiophenes, curcumins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, and natural extracts) and their photoactive potential to encourage researchers to focus on studies of natural agents and their use as a potent PS to enhance the efficiency of PDT.

Visible CCD Camera-Guided Photoacoustic Imaging System for Precise Navigation during Functional Rat Brain Imaging

In photoacoustic (PA) imaging, tissue absorbs specific wavelengths of light. The absorbed energy results in thermal expansion that generates ultrasound waves that are reconstructed into images. Existing commercial PA imaging systems for preclinical brain imaging are limited by imprecise positioning capabilities and inflexible user interfaces. We introduce a new visible charge-coupled device (CCD) camera-guided photoacoustic imaging (ViCPAI) system that integrates an ultrasound (US) transducer and a data acquisition platform with a CCD camera for positioning. The CCD camera accurately positions the US probe at the measurement location. The programmable MATLAB-based platform has an intuitive user interface. In vitro carbon fiber and in vivo animal experiments were performed to investigate the precise positioning and imaging capabilities of the ViCPAI system. We demonstrated real-time capturing of bilateral cerebral hemodynamic changes during (1) forelimb electrical stimulation under normal conditions, (2) forelimb stimulation after right brain focal photothrombotic ischemia (PTI) stroke, and (3) progression of KCl-induced cortical spreading depression (CSD). The ViCPAI system accurately located target areas and achieved reproducible positioning, which is crucial in animal and clinical experiments. In animal experiments, the ViCPAI system was used to investigate bilateral cerebral cortex responses to left forelimb electrical stimulation before and after stroke, showing that the CBV and SO2 in the right primary somatosensory cortex of the forelimb (S1FL) region were significantly changed by left forelimb electrical stimulation before stroke. No CBV or SO2 changes were observed in the bilateral cortex in the S1FL area in response to left forelimb electrical stimulation after stroke. While monitoring CSD progression, the ViCPAI system accurately locates the S1FL area and returns to the same position after the probe moves, demonstrating reproducible positioning and reducing positioning errors. The ViCPAI system utilizes the real-time precise positioning capability of CCD cameras to overcome various challenges in preclinical and clinical studies.

Photodynamic therapy: a distinct therapeutic modality

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative treatment modality that utilizes a combination of a photosensitizing agent, specific wavelengths of light, and molecular oxygen to selectively target and destroy abnormal cells or tissues while sparing healthy surrounding structures. This approach has gained significant attention in the medical field due to its potential to provide effective and less invasive treatment options for various conditions. The development of PDT was driven by the need for treatments that overcome the limitations of conventional modalities such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. PDT offers several benefits over these approaches, including its ability to provide targeted therapy, reduced side effects, minimal damage to healthy tissues, and versatility in treating different diseases. One of the key advantages of PDT is its selectivity. By utilizing photosensitizers that accumulate in diseased or abnormal cells, PDT can precisely target the affected tissue while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This selectivity allows for focused treatment, reducing the potential for unnecessary harm to surrounding structures. Furthermore, PDT offers faster recovery times and potentially better cosmetic outcomes compared to surgery, as it does not require extensive incisions or removal of tissues. Additionally, the localized nature of PDT minimizes systemic toxicity and long-term complications, making it a well-tolerated treatment option. PDT has demonstrated efficacy in various medical fields, including oncology, dermatology, and ophthalmology. It has been used to treat different types of cancers, including skin, lung, oesophagal, and bladder cancer, as well as manage conditions like age-related macular degeneration and certain dermatological disorders. This article reviewed the development, mechanism, and applications of PDT in the medical field

Lights at night: does photobiomodulation improve sleep?

Sleep is a critical part of our daily routine. It impacts every organ and system of our body, from the brain to the heart and from cellular metabolism to immune function. A consistent daily schedule of quality of sleep makes a world of difference to our health and well-being. Despite its importance, so many individuals have trouble sleeping well. Poor quality sleep has such a detrimental impact on many aspects of our lives; it affects our thinking, learning, memory, and movements. Further, and most poignantly, poor quality sleep over time increases the risk of developing a serious medical condition, including neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we focus on a potentially new non-pharmacological treatment that improves the quality of sleep. This treatment, called photobiomodulation, involves the application of very specific wavelengths of light to body tissues. In animal models, these wavelengths, when applied at night, have been reported to stimulate the removal of fluid and toxic waste-products from the brain; that is, they improve the brain's inbuilt house-keeping function. We suggest that transcranial nocturnal photobiomodulation, by improving brain function at night, will help improve the health and well-being of many individuals, by enhancing the quality of their sleep.

Dispersion Compensation in Optical Fiber: A Review

A cylindrical-shaped dielectric waveguide is what an optical fiber is. The core-cladding interface confines light, as electromagnetic (EM) energy, within its surface and guides light through several internal reflections if the angle of incidence is larger than the C-critical angle. Dispersion is the spreading of light pulses as they travel along a fiber, resulting in a degradation of optical signal quality. The scattering of optical signs contorts both computerized and simple transmission across optical strands. When optical fiber transmission is widely employed and some sort of digital modulation is applied, dispersion mechanisms inside the transmitted light pulses broaden as they pass through the fiber and move along the channel. The waveguide dispersion is calculated using a simple curve-fitting method. Dispersion must require compensating. Dispersion compensation techniques are essential for the successful transmission of data over optical fiber. Dispersion compensation techniques are used to reduce the effects of dispersion and improve SNR. Dispersion compensation is the process of reducing or eliminating chromatic dispersion in an optical fiber. There are two primary methods of dispersion compensation electronic and optical. In electronic dispersion compensation, the distorted signal is converted into the electrical domain, and digital signal processing techniques are used to correct the dispersion-induced distortion. While this method is effective, it adds complexity and cost to the communication system. Hence, most modern-day systems employ optical dispersion compensation, which is a more efficient and cost-effective method. Optical dispersion compensation involves using specialized optical components, such as dispersion compensating fibers (DCFs) and fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), to adjust the different wavelengths' arrival time. DCFs are designed to have the opposite dispersion characteristics of the transmission fiber, which allows them to compensate for the dispersion as the signal passes through. FBGs are periodic structures inscribed in the fiber that reflect specific wavelengths of light, effectively delaying their arrival time and compensating for the overall dispersion.

Unimolecular micelles from star-shaped block polymers by photocontrolled BIT-RDRP for PTT/PDT synergistic therapy.

Unimolecular micelles (UIMs) exhibit promising potential in the precise diagnosis and accurate treatment of tumor tissues, a pressing problem in the field of medical treatment, because of their perfect stability in the complex and variable microenvironment. In this study, porphyrin-based four-armed star-shaped block polymers with narrow molar mass dispersity (Đ = 1.34) were facilely prepared by photocontrolled bromine-iodine transformation reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (BIT-RDRP). A photothermal conversion dye, ketocyanine, was covalently linked onto the PEG and then introduced into the polymers through a "grafting onto" strategy to obtain polymeric nanomaterial, THPP-4PMMA-b-4P(PEGMA-co-APMA)@NIR-800, with dual PTT/PDT function. The resulting polymers could form monodispersed UIMs in the water below critical aggregation concentration, meanwhile maintaining the capacities of singlet oxygen release and photothermal conversion. Importantly, the UIMs displayed excellent biocompatibility while exerting superior PTT and/or PDT therapeutic effects under the irradiation of specific wavelengths of light, according to in vitro cellular experiments, which is expected to become a new hot spot for cancer therapy and anti-tumor research. Overall, stable and powerful UIMs with dual PTT/PDT function is provided, which are expected to be competitive candidates in cancer therapy.

Determination of Microcystis aeruginosa Concentration Using Two Discrete Wavelengths

Abstract Harmful algal blooms (HABs), specifically Microcystis aeruginosa (MA), present a serious global problem to bodies of water. HABs are the rapid growth of toxic algae species in a waterway. These algae species are known to cause irritation, nausea, and vomiting in humans, and even more severe side effects in smaller organisms. Climate change and human development have caused these harmful blooms to become more prevalent in recent years. Current commercial and academic algae detection methods were researched and found to be highly restrictive or expensive. This creates the need for a monitoring device that fills this niche, which the team attempted to do. Regarding the detection of MA, the peak spectral absorbances were determined to be at wavelengths of 430 nm and 680 nm. The handheld harmful algae monitoring device directs these specific wavelengths of light matching the peak absorptions of MA through a sample. The relative intensity of light after passing through the sample is measured and used to determine the presence and concentration of MA. This detection method is low cost, is portable, and will provide efficient and precise results with the hope of enabling a variety of users on a large scale. With proper calibration and more research, the handheld harmful algae monitoring device has the potential of being highly accurate and capable of testing nonpure samples.

Photonic Topological Insulator Based on Frustrated Total Internal Reflection in Array of Coupled Prism Resonators

Total internal reflection occurs at the interface between two media with different refractive indices during propagation of light rays from a medium with a higher refractive index to a medium with a lower refractive index. If the thickness of the second medium is comparable to a specific light wavelength, then total internal reflection is violated partially or completely. Based on the frustrated total internal reflection, herein we discuss a two-dimensional photonic topological insulator in an array consisting of triangular, quadrangular, or hexagonal transparent prism resonators with a narrow gap between them. An array of prism resonators allows topologically stable edge solutions (eigenwaves) similar to those studied in ring resonators. Moreover, total internal reflection occurs at different angles of incidence of light. This makes it possible to obtain a set of fundamentally new edge solutions. The light is presumably concentrated at the surface; however, in the new solutions it penetrates relatively deep into the photonic topological insulator and excites several layers of prisms positioned beyond the surface. Remarkably, the direction of light propagation is precisely biased, and therefore new solutions exhibit lower symmetry than the resonator array symmetry.

Physicochemical mechanisms of bacterial response in the photodynamic potentiation of antibiotic effects

Antibiotic failures in treatments of bacterial infections from resistant strains have been a global health concern, mainly due to the proportions they can reach in the coming years. Making microorganisms susceptible to existing antibiotics is an alternative to solve this problem. This study applies a physicochemical method to the standard treatment for modulating the synergistic response towards circumventing the mechanisms of bacterial resistance. Photodynamic inactivation protocols (curcumina 10 µM, 10 J/cm2) and their cellular behavior in the presence of amoxicillin, erythromycin, and gentamicin antibiotics were analyzed from the dynamics of bacterial interaction of a molecule that produces only toxic effects after the absorption of a specific wavelength of light. In addition to bacterial viability, the interaction of curcumin, antibiotics and bacteria were imaged and chemically analyzed using confocal fluorescence microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The interaction between therapies depended on the sequential order of application, metabolic activity, and binding of bacterial cell surface biomolecules. The results demonstrated a potentiating effect of the antibiotic with up to to 32-fold reduction in minimum inhibitory concentrations and mean reductions of 7 log CFU/ml by physicochemical action at bacterial level after the photodynamic treatment. The changes observed as a result of bacteria-antibiotic interactions, such as membrane permeabilization and increase in susceptibility, may be a possibility for solving the problem of microbial multidrug resistance.

Many Facets of Photonic Crystals: From Optics and Sensors to Energy Storage and Photocatalysis

AbstractThe ability to selectively redirect specific wavelengths of light has attracted a lot attention for photonic crystal materials. Presently, there is a wealth of research relating to the fabrication and application of photonic crystal materials. There are a number of structures that fall into the category of a photonic crystal; 1D, 2D, and 3D ordered structures can qualify as a photonic crystal, provided there exists ordered repeating lattices of dielectric material with a sufficient refractive index contrast. The optical responses of these structures, namely the associated photonic bandgap or stopband, are of particular interest for any application involving light. The sensitivity of the photonic bandgap to changes in lattice size or refractive index composition creates the possibility for accurate optical sensors. Optical phenomena involving reduced group velocity at wavelengths on the edge of the photonic bandgap are commonly exploited for photocatalytic applications. The inherent reflectivity of the photonic bandgap has created applications in optical waveguides or as solar cell reflector layers. There are countless examples of research attempting to exploit these facets of photonic crystal behavior for improved material design. Here, the role of photonic crystals is reviewed across a wide variety of disciplines; cataloging the ways in which these structures have enhanced specific applications. Particular emphasis is placed on providing an understanding of the specific function of the tunable optical response in photonic crystals in relation to their application.