Although its antiviral and antibacterial functions help prevent infection, singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 )-which is generated by the action of light on an endogenous photosensitizer-is cytotoxic. In the present study, we investigated the ability of 1 O 2 -generated by the action of visible light on a photosensitizer-to penetrate skin. We used two polymer films with oxygen permeability coefficients similar to that of skin-i.e. cellulose acetate (CA) and ethyl cellulose (EC). Both films contained 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF), which was used as an 1 O 2 probe. 1 O 2 generated externally did not permeate the films by mere contact. Therefore, we conclude that the potential for 1 O 2 to penetrate the skin is very low, and films that generate 1 O 2 are safe and useful for preventing infections by contact. We also proved that 1 O 2 can move between the layers of integrated polymer films when they are joined together.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.