Light can be used for various treatments, provided that the parameters and devices are properly established. To use light in the treatment of microorganisms, combining it with molecules that absorb light and trigger oxidative processes in unwanted cells, such as bacteria, is called photodynamic therapy. This technique can be applied to different environments, such as blood plasma bags, thereby ensuring sterility and a longer shelf life. However, it is essential to remember that the treatment parameters must be set appropriately. The chosen molecule is haemoporphyrin, which resembles the molecule present in red blood cells, haemoglobin. The light used is in the red region of the electromagnetic spectrum, ensuring that it does not interact with other biomolecules present in the plasma bags.
With this combination, researchs from Texas A & M University and University of São Paulo published their work, entitled “Photodynamic inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus in plasma using photogem: optimization and mechanistic insights”, in Frontiers of Optoelectronics (published on Jan. 22, 2026). The work demonstrates the effectiveness of this technique as an alternative to antibiotics to minimise their use, which are essential for controlling infection but have become obsolete due to excessive use. “At Biophotonic, our goal has been to use optical and photonic techniques to develop and refine medical technologies for diagnosis, cancer treatment, and microbiological control.”, said the authors.
DOI：10.2738/foe.2026.0003