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Furocoumarin photolysis: chemical and biological aspects

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Abstract

Furocoumarins (psoralens) undergo photolysis when subjected to UVA radiation in solution. Several products are formed, depending on the molecular structure and experimental conditions. Some products are the result of anoxic mechanisms (cyclodimerisation, addition of solvent), others of oxic pathways, leading to oxidised products. The mechanisms thought to underlie photolysis are described and the possible biological relevance of the photoproducts and intermediates is discussed.

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  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, I-35131, Padova, Italy

    Sergio Caffieri

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  1. Sergio Caffieri
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Correspondence to Sergio Caffieri.

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Sergio Caffieri graduated in Organic Chemistry at Padova. He began his research at the Center for Investigation of Drugs of the National Research Council, then he moved to the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Padova, where he is now Professor of Drug Analysis. His main research interest is in the study of the photointeractions of furocoumarins with biomolecules and of drug photostability and phototoxicity.

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Caffieri, S. Furocoumarin photolysis: chemical and biological aspects. Photochem Photobiol Sci 1, 149–157 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1039/b107329j

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