Medical Applications of Rose Bengal ‐ and Riboflavin‐Photosensitized Protein Crosslinking

Research on the many potential surgical applications of photosensitized crosslinking of tissue proteins and on the underlying photochemical mechanisms is reviewed. Largely used to close wounds or reattach tissues, protein photocrosslinking stiffens and strengthens tissues, decreases inflammatory responses and facilitates tissue bioengineering. Covalent crosslinks within and between collagen molecules in tissue are formed by an oxygen ‐dependent mechanism. Surgical applications include sealing wounds in skin, cornea and bowel; reattaching severed nerves, blood vessels and tendons; strengthening cornea and veins; reducing capsular contracture after breast implants; and regenerating joint cartilage. AbstractThis review summarizes research on many of the potential applications of photosensitized crosslinking of tissue proteins in surgery and current knowledge of the photochemical mechanisms underlying formation of the covalent protein –protein crosslinks involved. Initially developed to close wounds or reattach tissues, protein photocrosslinking has also been demonstrated to stiffen and strengthen tissues, decrease inflammatory responses and facilitate tissue bioengineering. These treatments appear to result largely from crossl inks within and between collagen molecules in tissue that typically form by an oxygen‐dependent mechanism. Surgical applications discussed include sealing wounds in skin, cornea and bowel; reattaching severed nerves, blood vessels and tendons; streng...
Source: Photochemistry and Photobiology - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Special Issue Invited review Source Type: research