Ultra Sensitive Monitor for Singlet Oxygen

光动力疗法(PDT)是一种很有前途的癌症治疗方法。PDT利用光敏剂的亲和力，如血卟啉衍生物(HPD)和其他化合物，选择性地保留在恶性肿瘤中的恶性肿瘤中。当用光敏剂预处理的肿瘤用可见光照射时，发生光化学反应，肿瘤细胞被摧毁。处于亚稳态的氧分子O2(1Delta)被认为是在光动力疗法中摧毁癌细胞的物种。体内单线态氧的实时光学诊断将是PDT治疗中一种有价值的剂量计。物理科学公司计划开发和测试一种用于单线态氧的光学监测器，该监测器的灵敏度比目前的检测技术提高了10/3。在这一阶段，我们建议用几种光敏剂在多种溶剂中进行体外试验，包括含有强烈的单线态氧猝灭剂的水溶液。诊断的成功演示可能会导致许多应用。例如，人们可以更详细地研究光诱导的HPD过程。可以筛选新的卟啉化合物来研究O2(1Delta)的产生效率。最后，在光疗过程中实时监测O2(1增量)可能是提高癌细胞破坏效率的宝贵工具。拟议的商业应用：有几种商业应用。首先，可以利用光纤技术生产用于O2(1Delta)生产的实时诊断工具。外科医生可以使用这种工具来测量和最大化治疗过程中产生的O2(1增量)。其次，可以开发一种工具来测试新的光活性化合物产生O2(1增量)的能力。人们还可以将该工具用作大规模生产这些与HPD相关的化合物的质量控制装置。最后，它也可能是一个有价值的研究工具，以发展更好地了解光动力疗法的机制和动力学。

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising cancer treatment. PDT uses the affinity of photo-sensitizers such as hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) and other compounds to be selectively retained in malignant tumors in malignant tumors. When tumors, pre-treated with the photosensitizer, are irradiated with visible light, a photochemical reaction occurs and tumor cells are destroyed. Oxygen molecules in their metastable single delta state O2 (1delta) are believed to be the species that destroys cancerous cells during PDT. A real-time optical diagnostic for singlet oxygen in-vivo would be a valuable dosimeter during PDT treatment. Physical Sciences Inc. proposes to develop and test an optical monitor for singlet oxygen that provides 10/3 sensitivity improvement over current detection techniques. In this Phase I we propose in-vitro tests with several photosensitizers in numerous solvents, including aqueous solutions containing strong quenchers of singlet oxygen. The successful demonstration of the diagnostic could lead to numerous applications. For example, one could study the photo-induced HPD process in much more detail. New porphyrin compounds could be screened for O2 (1delta) production efficiency. Finally a real time O2 (1delta) monitor during phototherapy could be an invaluable tool for improving the efficiency of cancer cell destruction. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: There are several commercial applications. First, a real-time diagnostic tool for O2 (1delta) production could be produced using fiber optic technology. A surgeon could use this tool to measure and maximize the O2 (1delta) produced during treatments. Secondly, a tool could be developed to test new photoactive compounds for their ability to produce O2(1delta). One could also use the tool as a quality control device in mass production of these HPD-related compounds. Finally, it could also be a valuable research tool for developing a better understanding of the mechanisms and kinetics in PDT.