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Atomic force microscopy visualization of injuries in Enterococcus faecalis surface caused by Er,Cr:YSGG and diode
Lidia López-Jiménez1, Josep Arnabat-Domínguez, Miguel Viñas
1Department of Dentistry, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain, joseparnabat@ub.edu.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal
|December 6, 2014
Summary
Atomic force microscopy revealed significant alterations to Enterococcus faecalis surfaces after laser treatment. High-power Erbium chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation notably increased surface roughness and induced cell lysis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biophysics
- Dental Laser Applications
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is a common pathogen in endodontic infections.
- Laser technology offers potential antimicrobial strategies in dentistry.
- Understanding laser-induced bacterial surface changes is crucial for efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize and quantify surface alterations on Enterococcus faecalis after treatment with Erbium chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) and Diode lasers using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Main Methods:
- Bacterial suspensions of E. faecalis were irradiated for 30 seconds with Er,Cr:YSGG and Diode lasers at 1 W and 2 W power.
- Untreated samples served as controls.
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to visualize surface morphology and determine surface roughness.
Main Results:
- High-power laser irradiation (2 W) with Er,Cr:YSGG significantly altered cell morphology and increased surface roughness.
- Visible signs of cell lysis were observed on treated bacterial surfaces.
- AFM imaging demonstrated drastic alterations to bacterial surfaces post-laser treatment.
Conclusions:
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is effective for evaluating laser-induced surface damage on bacteria.
- AFM can serve as a complementary method to assess antimicrobial effects alongside microbial viability tests.
