Title

Evaluation of Curcumin and Its Derivatives as Photosensitizers for Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy

Creator

Dafnomili, Sofia

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) demands alternative strategies beyond conventional antibiotics. This study evaluates curcumin and five synthesized derivatives as photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. UV-Vis spectroscopy characterized their absorption profiles, while antibacterial efficacy was assessed using high-throughput growth inhibition assays under blue light irradiation. Results revealed that structural modifications influenced both photophysical properties and antibacterial performance. Several derivatives demonstrated improved or comparable efficacy to native curcumin, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. Findings highlight structure-activity relationships critical for enhancing aPDT agents and suggest avenues for further optimization in treating superficial bacterial infections.

Keywords

antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT)

photosensitizers

curcumin analogues

Subject

Biomedical Science

Date Available

May 22. 2025

Type

Poster

Course

BMS 4750 Capstone in Biomedical Sciences

Instructor

Kythreoti, Georgia

Session

Poster Session

Location

Deree Corridor

Event

Year 2025 | 9th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium