A New Way to Treat Diseases Using Light-Loving Molecules

Abstract

Some tiny microorganisms creatures such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria can make us very sick. As these organisms evolve with us, they are becoming smarter and stronger, which is making it more difficult for medicines like antibiotics to fight them. Scientists are finding new ways to treat these infections, and one way is by using a cool treatment called photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT). PACT is based on tiny, colored molecules that take up light and use it to make tiny “bullets”. These tiny bullets attack and kill microorganisms by punching holes in their cell membranes. Therefore, using PACT could help doctors and scientists to fight these attacks and keep people healthy.