The basics of PCI
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1. |
The photosensitiser (S) and the drug (D) are injected into the body and carried by the blood stream to the target cell, containing the therapeutic target molecule (T). |
2.
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The photosensitiser and the drug are taken up by the cell, but the drug is unable to reach the target, as it is encapsulated in an endosome (with photosensitiser in the membrane). | ||
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3.
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Illumination activates the photosensitiser in the membrane of the endosome. The membrane is destroyed and the drug is released. |
4. |
The drug molecule can now bind to its therapeutic target, initiating a therapeutic response. | ||
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