The effect of lasers on glycocalyx production by staphylococcus

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.