Artificial tissue sensitized with encapsulated methylene blue encapsulated by silica nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy

Background/Aims: The synthesis of methylene blue (MB) encapsulated in silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) as an application for photodynamic therapy is reported in this study. Semi-rigid tissues with optical properties similar to that of human tissues were used as sample materials to determine the applicability of MB encapsulated in SiNPs. Materials and methods: The changes in optical properties of the tissue treated with encapsulated MB under light exposure (Intensity at 664 nm approximate to 11.9 mW/cm(2)) were observed. The optimal exposure time required for naked MB and MB-SiNP to destroy red blood cells (RBCs) in the artificial tissue was also determined. Results: The comparative analysis between the results of applying naked MB and MB encapsulated in SiNPs in the treatment of artificial tissue confirmed that the encapsulated MB is 62 percent higher in efficacy than naked MB. The results established the applicability of MB encapsulated in SiNP on artificial tissue and possible application on human tissue.