The effect of variable energy input from a novel light source on the photoactivated bactericidal action of toluidine blue O on Streptococcus Mutans.
Although the combination of toluidine blue O (TBO) dye and laser light at a wavelength of 633 nm has a bactericidal effect, light from laboratory lasers can only be directed externally at a bacterial colony or suspension. In this study a novel delivery system guided the laser light to an 800-micrometer diameter spherical tip (an isotropic tip) from which light radiated producing a uniform sphere of light within the colony or suspension. The system was highly effective in killing TBO-treated Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10449 in stirred planktonic suspension, killing at least 10(9 )cfu/ml. Antibacterial action increased as the delivered energy dose increased. Energy doses of 1.8 J or more produced 100% kills and log reductions of 8-10 cfu/ml. Neither TBO dye nor light alone had a significant antibacterial effect under the experimental conditions used. The existence of a threshold energy, i.e. a minimum energy required before bactericidal action occurred, could not be demonstrated.
Department of Biomaterials, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University College London, UK.
J A
JA
Williams
G J
GJ
Pearson
M J
MJ
Colles
M
M
Wilson
D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D007834:Lasers; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014048:Tolonium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology*
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D014048:Tolonium Chloride