Deep Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diode Light Therapy for Fusobacterium nucleatum

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Photomedicine

Background:

• Fusobacterium nucleatum is a bacterium associated with periodontal diseases.
• F. nucleatum has been identified in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of deep ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting diode (LED) light therapy on F. nucleatum.
• To assess DNA damage in F. nucleatum induced by DUV-LED irradiation.

Main Methods:

• Two DUV-LEDs with peak wavelengths of 265 nm and 280 nm were utilized.
• Bactericidal effects were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively.
• DNA damage was evaluated by measuring cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4PP).

Main Results:

• DUV-LED irradiation demonstrated significant bactericidal effects on F. nucleatum.
• No colony growth was observed after 3 minutes of irradiation with either 265 nm or 280 nm DUV-LEDs.
• Irradiation with 265 nm and 280 nm DUV-LEDs induced CPD and 6-4PP formation, indicating DNA damage.

Conclusions:

• DUV-LED light therapy effectively kills F. nucleatum by inducing DNA damage.
• This phototherapy presents a potential strategy for preventing colorectal cancer.