This work aims to analyze the evolution of the use of light as a method of healing, one of the oldest therapeutic practices in history. It will cover the scientific foundations of modern phototherapy, which date back to the 20th century, and from there, an analysis will begin on the major technological innovations introduced over the years through scientific research in this field. The medical field that has benefited most from phototherapy is undoubtedly dermatology. This thesis will examine the ways light interacts with biological tissues, the therapeutic effects, and any adverse effects of such interactions. A particular focus will be given to the history of treating psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, as it serves as a prime example of how advances from a greater understanding and study of light have improved dermatological treatments. In the 1990s, these advances enabled the invention of photobiomodulation, the clinical application based on the use of light that currently holds the most success. This work will provide a detailed overview of its current state and future potential, especially by delving into an ongoing debate within the scientific community: “Can LEDs replace lasers in photobiomodulation?”
Il presente lavoro ha l’obiettivo di analizzare l’evoluzione dell’utilizzo della luce come metodo di cura, una delle pratiche terapeutiche più antiche della storia. Verranno trattate le basi scientifiche dell’odierna fototerapia, risalenti al XX secolo, e da queste comincerà un’analisi delle principali innovazioni tecnologiche apportate nel corso degli anni dalla ricerca scientifica in questo settore. L’ambito medico che ha tratto i maggiori benefici dalla fototerapia è, senza dubbio, la dermatologia; questa tesi analizzerà le modalità di interazione tra luce e tessuti biologici, gli effetti terapeutici e le eventuali avversità di tali interazioni. Un focus particolare sarà riservato alla storia del trattamento della psoriasi, una malattia infiammatoria cronica della pelle, poiché rappresenta un caso emblematico ed esemplificativo di come i vari progressi apportati da una maggiore comprensione e studio della luce abbiano migliorato le terapie dermatologiche. Tali progressi permisero, negli anni ’90, l’invenzione della Fotobiomodulazione, l’applicazione clinica basata sull’utilizzo della luce attualmente di maggior successo, di cui, ne verrà fornita una panoramica dettagliata del presente e delle potenzialità future, in particolare entrando in un dibattito tutt’ora in corso all’interno della comunità scientifica: “i LED potranno sostituire i Laser nella Fotobiomodulazione?”.
Possibili applicazioni innovative della luce in campo medico
CENDRON, ALESSANDRO
2023/2024
Abstract
This work aims to analyze the evolution of the use of light as a method of healing, one of the oldest therapeutic practices in history. It will cover the scientific foundations of modern phototherapy, which date back to the 20th century, and from there, an analysis will begin on the major technological innovations introduced over the years through scientific research in this field. The medical field that has benefited most from phototherapy is undoubtedly dermatology. This thesis will examine the ways light interacts with biological tissues, the therapeutic effects, and any adverse effects of such interactions. A particular focus will be given to the history of treating psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, as it serves as a prime example of how advances from a greater understanding and study of light have improved dermatological treatments. In the 1990s, these advances enabled the invention of photobiomodulation, the clinical application based on the use of light that currently holds the most success. This work will provide a detailed overview of its current state and future potential, especially by delving into an ongoing debate within the scientific community: “Can LEDs replace lasers in photobiomodulation?”File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/76475