Light and molecules in health and crop protection

DLA Annual Conference 2025
Parallel session D

Thursday, 22 May 2025
from 15:30 to 17:00

Lead

Prof. Burkhard König, University of Regensburg, Germany

Description

The interaction of light with suitable molecules can create antibacterial or antifungal effects. In this session, we will show and discuss the potential through three presentation:

Antibacterial treatments in Medicine with Light
by Prof. Tim Maisch, University Hospital Regensburg

The bactericidal effect of sterilization using visible light alone or in combination with a photodynamically active dye is among the latest techniques currently being investigated worldwide. Clinical applications of these technologies include infections in the skin, dental areas, wounds, stomach, nasal passages, toenails, and other sites where effective light delivery is possible.

Tattoo dyes, health effects with daylight and tattoo removal
by Prof. Wolfgang Bäumler, University Hospital Regensburg

In Germany, around 20 percent of the population are tattooed using various inorganic or organic pigments. Tattooed skin is often exposed to sunlight or removed with laser light. This can chemically alter certain tattoo pigments, which can also result in harmful products.

Light-activated fungicides to combat pest resistance in crop protection
by M.Sc. Alberto Nunez, University of Regensburg

The crop protection industry has relied on chemical pesticides for a century, but this model is unsustainable due to rising pest resistance. We propose a new approach: conjugate fungicides that incorporate a photodynamic sensitiser, effectively killing resistant fungi under light while overcoming immunity to original compounds.

Objectives

Three short presentations of 20 minutes will introduce the topics and kindle the discussion.