Photodynamic therapy: from molecular effects in model systems toward photodynamic ...
| Grant number: | 16/13280-0 |
| Support type: | Regular Research Grants |
| Duration: | October 01, 2016 - September 30, 2018 |
| Field of knowledge: | Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics |
| Principal Investigator: | Pedro Henrique Benites Aoki |
| Grantee: | Pedro Henrique Benites Aoki |
| Home Institution: | Faculdade de Ciências e Letras (FCL-ASSIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Assis. Assis , SP, Brazil |
Abstract
This project is part of the FAPESP Research Grant - Regular to be developed at the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Letters (FCL) of UNESP, Assis. It aims decentralization of nanobiotechnology research in the state of SP, composing one of the actions that are being taken at the FCL/UNESP to the formation of a nucleus with such characteristics. The goal of this proposal is to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of photosensitizing drugs, which is of great interest to photodynamic therapy (PDT). We shall elucidate the molecular and microscopic effects of photo-oxidation in lipid membranes induced by the action of photosensitizers. Such mechanisms will be studied in biological membrane mimetic systems based on Langmuir monolayers and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). The surface pressure characterization of the Langmuir films will provide information about mechanisms of the lipid membrane photo-oxidation at the molecular level. The findings on the molecular scale will be correlated with the effects on the microscopic scale seen in GUVs by fluorescence microscopy. In all the problems to be addressed, synergy will be sought with the expertise of the research groups already installed in the department. (AU)