Photodynamic Therapy has no Adverse Effects In Vitro on Human Gingival Fibroblasts and Osteoblasts

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Periodontal infections stem from microbial invasion and biofilm formation in periodontal pockets.
• Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern with standard therapies like scaling and root planing (SRP).
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers an alternative adjunct to SRP for periodontal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro safety of PDT on human gingival fibroblasts (GF) and human osteoblasts (OB).
• To assess potential side effects of PDT on cellular viability and migration.

Main Methods:

• Human gingival fibroblasts (GF) and osteoblasts (OB) were exposed to methylene blue (MB) alone, PDT (MB + laser), or laser alone.
• Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay.
• Cell migration was evaluated using Boyden chambers and scratch wound assays.

Main Results:

• PDT did not significantly affect the viability or migration of GF and OB compared to controls.
• Laser-only treatment enhanced cell viability and migration.
• MB-only treatment reduced cell viability.

Conclusions:

• In vitro, PDT is a safe adjunctive therapy for periodontal infections, showing no adverse effects on GF and OB.
• PDT does not impede cellular viability or migration, unlike MB alone.
• PDT presents a promising alternative to antibiotics in periodontal treatment.