Biomedical Applications of Photo- and Sono-Activated Rose Bengal: A Review

Objective: The aim of this review is to discuss and compare the extensive range of biomedical applications of photo- and sono-activated Rose Bengal (RB). Background data: RB is a xanthene dye that due to its interesting photo- and sono-sensitive properties is gaining attention in the scientific field. Methods: This study is a literature review using the database PubMed. Results: As a photosensitizer, RB converts the triplet oxygen molecule into reactive oxygen species after irradiation with green light (532 nm). This mechanism allows for the use of photo-activated RB in photochemical tissue bonding, photodynamic therapy, antimicrobial therapy and cancer treatment, photothrombotic animal models, and other applications, including tissue engineering and treatment of tauopathies. As a sono-sensitive compound, RB is applied for sonodynamic therapy, cancer treatment, and antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: This review outlines the versatility and effectiveness of photo- and sono-activated RB in numerous biomedical applications.