Nanomaterials and Biomedical Applications Webinars The webinars will be archived and can be viewed later through the Rebroadcast Platform
29 May 2021 - 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST
Abstract
Tackling Cancer and Infection with Light-Responsive Molecules
- Dr. Sherri A. McFarland
Photomedicine is an interdisciplinary field where chemistry and light meet to fight disease. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a special branch of photomedicine that employs a sensitizer molecule, light, and oxygen to destroy unwanted cells with spatiotemporal selectivity. Despite its enormous potential for treating certain diseases, including cancer and infection, PDT has yet to become mainstream. For over a decade, our research team has worked to bring new PDT technologies from bench to bedside. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we have introduced both synthetic compounds and natural products (both have successfully completed Phase 1 clinical trials and are currently in Phase 2) as alternatives to existing porphyrin-based PDT agents for specific indications. This seminar will share some of our experiences in developing metallodrug photosensitizers for treating bladder cancer and photoactive plant extracts for improving oral health.