fotosensitisoija

Fotosensitisoija is a Finnish term translating to "photosensitizer" in English. In scientific contexts, a photosensitizer is a chemical compound that absorbs light energy and transfers it to other molecules, thereby initiating a photochemical reaction. Photosensitizers are used in various fields, including medicine, chemistry, and environmental science.

In medical applications, particularly in photodynamic therapy (PDT), a photosensitizer is administered to a patient to target and destroy cancerous or infected cells. Once accumulated in the target tissue, the photosensitizer is activated by light of a specific wavelength, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species. These reactive molecules damage cellular structures, resulting in cell death. The selectivity of PDT relies on the preferential uptake or retention of the photosensitizer by abnormal cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Photosensitizers used in medicine are often porphyrin derivatives, chlorins, or other organic compounds with high singlet oxygen quantum yields. Their effectiveness depends on properties such as light absorption spectrum, cellular localization, and clearance from the body.

In environmental science, photosensitizers play a role in photocatalytic processes, such as degradation of pollutants in water treatment. They facilitate the breakdown of organic contaminants upon light exposure, offering a sustainable method for environmental cleanup.

Overall, fotosensitisoija or photosensitizer refers to molecules that can absorb light and convert it into chemical energy, enabling controlled chemical reactions driven by light across diverse scientific domains.