The project

Tuesday September 12th, 2017

What if you could treat tumors with light?

In our research group, the PhotoGreen Lab, we make chemistry using light: this is the most sustainable method, as it allows us to avoid toxic and hazardous reagents. Light is a powerful tool to trigger reactions and it has the added bonus of leaving no chemical waste at the end of the process.

In particular, our work deals with the preparation of new substances and in the study of their behavior upon light exposure. We recently discovered that it is possible to transform certain compounds into potential anticancer drugs when irradiated with a light source.

The purpose of this project is therefore to propose an alternative approach to the conventional cancer treatment, namely chemotherapy, since the latter involves the uptake of drugs that, in addition to fighting diseased cells, it harms likewise the healthy cells.

Our approach is to combine the selective delivery of light with the meticulous study of molecules able to harness this incredible source of energy for a more targeted action.

Preliminary results are very promising and the goal is to shine further light on this chemistry to develop a more effective method of treating tumors.

LINK

www.unipv.it/photogreenlab/
www.facebook.com/PGLunipv

Goals

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