Date of Award

Summer 8-1-2025

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Physics, Applied

First Advisor

Jonathan Celli

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

QUANTUM DOT LIGHT EMITTING DIODES AS A LIGHT SOURCE FOR PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

Photodynamic therapy is a cancer treatment modality that involves the accumulation of a photosensitizer, exposure to visible light, and the presence of oxygen, resulting in the formation of highly reactive and cytotoxic singlet oxygen. PDT has been shown to be more effective as the fluence rate decreases due to oxygen availability and the absence of photobleaching. On the other hand, Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes QLEDs- a new form of light source based on nanoparticles (quantum dots)- emerge as a potentially advantageous light source for certain types of cancer.

In this research, we established a three-dimensional cell culture model using human squamous carcinoma cell lines to evaluate the usability of QLEDs for low-irradiance photodynamic therapy (PDT). Experimental results suggest that QLEDs offer several advantages over traditional light sources (LEDs and Lasers), such as the uniformity of the light distribution and the enhanced compatibility with tissue-like models.

Additionally, we investigated the minimum fluence rate below which no treatment outcome is observed- fluence rate threshold (FRT)- to better determine the lower limits for effective PDT treatments.

The present work highlights the potential of using QLEDs as an effective and practical light source for low-irradiance photodynamic therapy (PDT). By establishing a 3D tumor model and identifying the Fluence Rate threshold (FRT), this work contributes to optimizing PDT parameters for improved treatment outcomes. These findings support the development of safer, more effective and accessible PDT using next generation light technologies.

Comments

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