title: Er:YAG Laser Irradiation Induces Behavioral Changes in V. harveyi.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Laser technologies have many different applications in medical, agricultural, and industrial fields. Studies have shown several effects of laser energy on different bacterial species, in a wide variety of settings. Recent reports have found that one of the unique features of bacteria is their ability to communicate among themselves (quorum sensing). We sought to investigate whether low-energy laser irradiation affects bacterial behavior, which is regulated by quorum sensing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Laser irradiations were performed using Er:YAG laser (2940 nm wavelength) at output powers of 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 4 W on wild-type Vibrio harveyi. Bioluminescence, motility, and biofilm forming capability were assessed on the bacteria after irradiation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After irradiation of bacteria, positive dose/output power dependencies were found in the bioluminescence omitted from tested experimental groups. Motility of colonies on semi-solid media was inhibited as irradiation output power was increased. However, after irradiation, biomass analysis of biofilm samples showed negligible differences between the irradiated samples and controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicate the impact of low-energy laser irradiation on bacterial behavior such as quorum sensing and motility, without affecting bacterial growth patterns.
authors.affiliation: 1 Biofilm Research Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Dental Sciences, Hebrew University-Hadassah , Jerusalem, Israel .|2 Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah , Jerusalem, Israel .
authors.forename: Idan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Redenski
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah , Jerusalem, Israel .
authors.forename: Sharonit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sahar-Helft
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah , Jerusalem, Israel .
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stabholz
authors.affiliation: 1 Biofilm Research Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Dental Sciences, Hebrew University-Hadassah , Jerusalem, Israel .
authors.forename: Doron
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Steinberg
mesh_terms: D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D014733:Vibrio / Q000528:radiation effects*
keywords: biofilm; laser; quorum sensing