Light, Molecules, Reaction and Health

Light, Molecules, Reaction and Health offers a comprehensive overview of health-related light-based processes and systems with special attention to molecular photochemistry in order to provide a better mechanistic understanding of these interactions. Users of photochemical methods and concepts in pharmacology and biomedicine will benefit from the knowledge of the basic processes underlying the biological effects of natural and artificial light, from the primary absorption event occurring in an endogenous or exogenous molecule in a biological compartment up to the final pathological or beneficial outcome. By emphasizing novel methods, including nanostructured materials in therapy and diagnostics, this book allows readers to critically interpret the existing data with the goal of stimulating new research in phytotherapy and phytomedicine.

• Describes the applications of light controlled methods and systems
• Combines a clear narrative with practical tables to effectively connect the primary photochemical event with the resulting biological effect
• Important topics include analysis of the processes that are initiated by the absorption of light by photoactive compounds in the skin and the eye, as well as low-intensity light therapy, photoimmunotherapy, UV effects, vitamin D production, skin photoaging and more

Clinicians, pharmacologists, basic researchers, medicinal chemists and research scientists interested in phototherapy and photodiagnostics; research scientists in the drug, cosmetic, additive, chemical and instruments industries

1. Introduction
   2. Skin
   3. Eye
   4. Phototherapy
   5. Light and surgery
   6. Light for diagnosis