Browsing by Author "Thomsen, Hanna"

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    Biophotonics Targeting Pharmaceutical Challenges
    (2018-08-23) Thomsen, Hanna
    The study of the interaction between light and biological matter, called biophotonics, contributes to our understanding of biological systems - from subcellular compartments up to the human organ system. Herein, light is employed as a tool to understand delivery of novel photopharmaceutical and antimicrobial systems to bacteria, cells, and tissue. The first part of this thesis (papers I and II) focuses on production of toxic species via photoactivation of a compound, both in cells and tissue, using two photon excitation (2PE). 2PE studies using near infrared excitation (NIR) afford deeper light penetrations depths in tissue. Novel methods for fluorescence reporting were developed to monitor penetration and localization of compounds, and via spectral signal from Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to monitor release in real-time. Nanoparticles are becoming increasingly interesting as drug delivery systems. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) and spectral analysis were used to evaluate particles for potential dermal drug delivery in paper III. Inherently luminescent silica particles revealed the size-dependent penetration of the particles in skin by combining ex vivo diffusion studies with 3D imaging and 2PE spectral detection and analysis. The final part of this thesis (papers IV – VII) combines photoactivation with drug delivery systems to focus on the study and potential treatment of bacterial infections. Charge-functionalization of cyclodextrins (CDs) for optimal delivery to biofilms was evaluated. It was found that positively charged CDs better distribute in a Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm environment. Eliminating biofilm cultures without the use of antibiotics is explored by applying phototherapy with NIR 2PE. It was demonstrated that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can be targeted to kill bacteria within 3D regions as small as 1 x 1 x 1 μm. Taken together, this work developed biophotonics approaches for studying delivery of photopharmaceutics and antimicrobials to biological systems through application of MPM, spectral imaging, photoactivation, and development of model systems.
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    Lär vi oss av historien? En kvalitativ studie som undersöker två perspektiv av hållbar utveckling i relation till gruvbrytning i Kiruna
    (2023-10-26) Thomsen, Hanna; University of Gothenburg/School of Global Studies; Göteborgs universitet/Institutionen för globala studier
    To meet the contemporary demands of sustainable development, enterprises aim to undergo a green transition in order to handle the threats of climate change. Through the lens of postcolonial theories questioning the knowledge apprised from western societies, a new light can be shed on alternative approaches to global conventions such as Agenda 2030. Incorporating indigenous knowledge can be such an alternative path for the agendas fulfillment. This bachelor’s thesis aims at taking on this subject in a context of the mining industry in the northern areas of Sweden, highlighting two views on sustainability. One coming from indigenous Sami, more specifically Sametinget and the other from the mining enterprise LKAB. A qualitative text analysis can contribute to a better understanding of sustainability concerning the case with LKAB:s recent findings of rare earth metals in Kiruna, Sweden. The results show that the mining company LKAB and the Sami articulate sustainable development differently, whereas there is a conflict of interest in the case of the mining process, and thereby also a conflict in the interpretation of the concept. Conclusions can be drawn that postcolonial structures leave an imprint on today's processes, whereas the dominant, western agenda is prioritized and alternative strategies are not given enough space in the shaping of global agendas.