title: The effect of lasers on glycocalyx production by staphylococcus.
abstract: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of lasers on glycocalyx production by Staphylococcus epidermidis. Three strains of S. epidermidis were irradiated (He-Ne, Ga-As, CO2, and argon laser) at different energy densities ranging from 0.24 to 100 J/cm2. The viability of the bacteria was measured by colony forming units (CFU) and glycocalyx production was quantitated by toluidine blue staining and spectrophotometer. The He-Ne, Ga-As, and Co2 laser (2W; 90 J/cm2) had no effect on glycocalyx production and CFU, when compared to the control group (p greater than 0.05). However, glycocalyx production by the high-producer strains of S. epidermidis was significantly suppressed by agron laser when compared to the control group (p less than 0.05). It was concluded that the agron laser is a potentially advantageous mean of inhibiting the glycocalyx production by S. epidermidis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University, R.O.C.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Kao
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007834:Lasers; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*
chemical_list: D006023:Glycoproteins; D011134:Polysaccharides