LED-based compact illuminator design for effective photodynamic therapy

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging modality for solid tumor treatment that leverages localized light activation of photosensitizers to induce site-specific cytotoxic effects. While advancements in optical technologies have improved light delivery and tissue penetration, the overall efficacy and reproducibility of PDT remain limited by non-uniform or suboptimal light exposure. Recently, LED-based systems have gained attention as cost-effective, portable alternatives to conventional laser sources. In this study, we report the development of a tunable LED-based illuminator operating at 660 nm, specifically engineered to deliver uniform, scan-free irradiation across the surface of a standard 96-well plate. The system provides adjustable output power ranging from 1 to 20 mW/cm², with precise control over the delivered light dose. We evaluated the system’s temporal output stability, spectral characteristics, and thermal performance to ensure consistent and reproducible irradiation conditions. The device’s functionality was validated through in vitro cytotoxicity assays using CT26, U-87, 4T1, N2A, 22RV1, and B16F10 cell lines—commonly used cancer models. Cells were incubated with photoditazine (PD) and aluminum tetrasulfophthalocyanine chloride, an analogue of the clinically used Photosens (PS), at concentrations ranging from 0 to 16 µM, and irradiated at 10, 15, and 20 J/cm². The results demonstrate that the LED illuminator provides stable, reproducible, and controllable light delivery, supporting its utility for standardized in vitro PDT studies.

Speaker

Alexandra Sain
Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology
Russia

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