Sensitization of oral bacteria to killing by low-power laser radiation.
Twenty-seven compounds were screened for their ability to sensitize Streptococcus sanguis to killing by light from a 7.3-mW Helium/Neon (HeNe) laser. Bacteria were mixed with various concentrations of the test compounds, spread over the surfaces of agar plates, and then exposed to light from the HeNe laser for various time periods. The plates were then incubated and examined for zones of inhibition. Those compounds found to be effective photosensitizers were then tested against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Toluidine blue O, azure B chloride, and methylene blue at concentrations of 0.005% (wt/vol) were effective photosensitizers of all four species, enabling killing of bacteria following exposure to laser light for only 30 s.
Microbiology Laboratory, Institute of Dental Surgery, London, UK.
M
M
Wilson
J
J
Dobson
W
W
Harvey
D016976:Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D001399:Azure Stains / Q000494:pharmacology; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D016967:Fusobacterium nucleatum / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D006415:Hematoporphyrins / Q000494:pharmacology; D007834:Lasers; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000494:pharmacology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013298:Streptococcus sanguis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D014048:Tolonium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology
D001399:Azure Stains; D004396:Coloring Agents; D006415:Hematoporphyrins; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D014048:Tolonium Chloride; C025819:Azure B; D008751:Methylene Blue