Newly formulated 5% 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy on Candida albicans

Area of Science:

• Oral Microbiology
• Photodynamic Therapy
• Antimicrobial Agents

Background:

• Systemic diseases are linked to oral Candida pathogenicity, with increasing antifungal resistance complicating invasive candidiasis.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) presents a promising approach for managing oral microbial infections.
• A novel 5-aminolevulinic acid (5%ALA) thermosetting gel formulation (5%ALA-PTt) is now available, but its antimicrobial properties require characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the antimicrobial properties of a new 5-aminolevulinic acid thermosetting gel formulation (5%ALA-PTt).
• To evaluate the efficacy of 5%ALA-PTt alone and in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) against Candida albicans.

Main Methods:

• A clinical isolate of Candida albicans was exposed to 5%ALA-PTt and a pH-buffered version (5%ALA-PTtb) for 24 hours.
• Exposed samples were subjected to photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 630nm wavelength light at specific power densities and durations.
• Colony growth, biofilm formation, and inoculum were assessed to determine antimicrobial effects.

Main Results:

• The 5%ALA-PTt preparation demonstrated effectiveness in reducing Candida albicans biofilm growth and inoculum.
• The antimicrobial activity is attributed to the intrinsic properties of 5%ALA-PTt, including its acidic pH and free radical induction.
• PDT significantly enhanced the antimicrobial effect, achieving approximately 80% inhibition of biofilm and 95% inhibition of inoculum.

Conclusions:

• 5%ALA-PTt exhibits significant antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, both alone and when combined with PDT.
• The combination of 5%ALA-PTt and PDT offers a potent therapeutic strategy for oral candidiasis, even with short treatment times.
• This formulation holds promise for addressing the growing challenge of antifungal resistance in oral infections.