Basic concepts and applications of porphyrins, chlorins and phthalocyanines as photosensitizers in photonic therapies

Abstract

This review describes applications of light in photonic therapies, especially photodynamic therapy (PDT) which involves the combination of light, photosensitizer and oxygen. Relevant examples of porphyrins, chlorins and phthalocyanines were chosen and are presented, among the commercially available and presently under study photosensitizers of interest at the moment. Our objective is not to be exhaustive, but discuss the general ideas on PDT and photosensitizers as they demonstrate interaction with light and the human body.