Diode laser activated indocyanine green selectively kills bacteria
Tobias K Boehm1, Sebastian G Ciancio
1College of Dental Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA. tboehm@westernu.edu
Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology
|September 15, 2011
Summary
Indocyanine green (ICG) shows promise as a novel photosensitizer for periodontal photodynamic therapy. It effectively targets and kills key periodontal pathogens when activated by an 810 nm diode laser, with minimal staining on teeth.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microbiology
Background:
- Periodontal diseases pose significant oral health challenges.
- Current photodynamic therapy often uses methylene blue.
- Novel photosensitizers are needed for improved efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate indocyanine green (ICG) as a photosensitizer for periodontal photodynamic therapy.
- To characterize ICG uptake by key periodontal pathogens.
- To assess the efficacy of ICG-activated diode laser therapy in killing these pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Spectroscopic analysis of ICG uptake in *Porphyromonas gingivalis*, *Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans*, *E. coli*, and human gingival cells.
- Determination of bacterial viability post-ICG and 810 nm diode laser exposure.
- Visual inspection of ICG staining on extracted teeth.
Main Results:
- Significant ICG uptake observed in *P. gingivalis* and *A. actinomycetemcomitans*.
- High bacterial killing rates (<10% survival) for targeted pathogens.
- ICG demonstrated minimal staining on tooth surfaces, primarily affecting calculus.
Conclusions:
- Indocyanine green (ICG) is a potential photosensitizer for periodontal photodynamic therapy.
- Combination of ICG and 810 nm diode laser effectively reduces bacterial load.
- This approach may serve as an adjunct therapy for periodontal pockets.
