Featured Research Thesis
Comparative Analysis of Laser and LED Light Sources for Intraoral Photodynamic Therapy
This master's thesis investigates light-source design for ALA-PpIX based photodynamic therapy (PDT), with emphasis on compact, portable, and lower-cost treatment possibilities for oral cancer care in global health settings. The work compares a fiber-coupled 638 nm red diode laser and a broader-spectrum 631 nm red LED source for PDT treatment response in TR146 oral cancer cells.
Brief Abstract
Photodynamic therapy uses a photosensitizing drug and wavelength-matched light to damage targeted cancer cells. In ALA-PpIX based PDT, 5-aminolevulinic acid promotes accumulation of protoporphyrin IX, which can then be activated by red light. This research evaluates how spectral match, power, irradiance, heat dissipation, and physical form factor affect light-source performance for oral cancer PDT. Both the LED and diode laser produced PDT response, but the fiber-coupled diode laser achieved stronger cytotoxic effect because it delivered higher optical power and irradiance while allowing external heat dissipation.
Professional relevance: this project connects applied physics, biomedical optics, cancer treatment research, low-cost device considerations, scientific computing, microscopy, and global-health access.
