Endogenous chromophores

Endogenous chromophores are naturally occurring molecules within biological tissues that absorb specific wavelengths of light (Source: StatPearls, Laser-Tissue Interactions, 2023). Major examples include hemoglobin, melanin, water, and cytochromes, each possessing a unique absorption spectrum that determines its interaction with light (Source: Anderson & Parrish, Science, 1983). These molecules are essential for physiological processes such as oxygen transport, UV protection, and mitochondrial ATP production (Source: NIH, Photobiomodulation, 2017). In clinical medicine, they serve as the primary targets for laser and light-based therapies, utilizing the principle of selective photothermolysis to treat specific conditions. For instance, hemoglobin is targeted to treat vascular lesions, while melanin is targeted for hair removal or treating pigmented spots. Water acts as the primary chromophore for ablative lasers used in skin resurfacing, and cytochrome c oxidase is the target for photobiomodulation to stimulate cellular repair. Understanding the concentration and distribution of these chromophores is critical for therapeutic efficacy and avoiding adverse effects like thermal burns. While not traditional drug targets, they are the fundamental biological entities that mediate the effects of photomedicine.

Other names

Natural chromophoresBiological chromophoresTissue chromophoresEndogenous light-absorbing molecules

Selective photothermolysis (absorption of light energy leading to localized thermal damage) and photochemical activation (e.g., in photobiomodulation).