BusinessAugust 21, 2026

photosensitizers

FO-toh-SEN-si-ty-zerz

Definition

Chemical substances that become biologically active or chemically reactive when exposed to specific wavelengths of light, often used in medical treatments to target and destroy diseased cells.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'phōs' (light) and the Latin 'sentire' (to feel), combined with the chemical suffix '-ize' and the agentive suffix '-er'. It emerged in the 20th century to describe substances that react to light.

In the news

In the article, these molecules are being designed through a partnership between Xanadu and the University of Alberta to improve photodynamic therapy, a method for treating tumors.

Top AI Trends Transforming Healthcare Economics

Read the full article ↗

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