Photochemical decomposition of uric acid crystals by ultra-short laser pulses

In recent years, laser radiation has been proposed as a therapy tool in the medical field (laser therapy). This work presents the efficiency of a pulsed fiber optic laser in its interaction with synthetic monosodium urate monohydrate (MSUM) crystals, for the management of inflammatory processes and lesions in tissues, muscles and osteoarticular joints affected by crystalline pathologies. The synthetic monosodium urate crystals were made based on the McCarthy method. Such samples were exposed to the direct radiation of the laser light source, whose characteristics are as follows: wavelength centered at λ = 1058 nm, pulse width of τ = 13 ns, repetition frequency of fR = 210 kHz and peak energy of EP = 55 nJ. This radiation is absorbed by the tissue, which produces a photochemical interaction at the molecular level in the crystalline formations. The exposure times were from 7 to 12 minutes, and the best exposure time was presented in 12 m. As a result, the photochemical interaction of light with crystals could be observed, resulting in a variation in molecular structure. Likewise, a decrease in their concentration was found in order to make uric acid crystals, that are within the joints or tissues affected by crystalline pathologies, more soluble to be eliminated through the urine, and therefore, provide at the same time analgesic and anti-inflammatory action in the affected area.