Development of bacteriostatic central venous port using photobiomodulation: a comparative in vitro study

Photobiomodulation (PBM) occurs when a cell is exposed to low energy intensities. A novel central venous port (CVP) with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emits red light with a wavelength of 680 nm via wireless energy transmission technology has been established. This comparative in vitro study examined whether PBM can reduce the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a common cause of central venous (CV) infections, in vitro. In this comparative in vitro study, the red light with a wavelength of 680 nm was used to irradiate an MRSA suspension in phosphate-buffered saline for 7.5, 15, 30, or 60 min in a 3.5 cm Petri dish with an area of 8.5 cm2. The total energy was 85 J at 7.5 min, 170 J at 15 min, 340 J at 30 min, and 680 J at 60 min. Six dishes for each time and 6 temperature-controlled samples were prepared. Each sample was incubated overnight at 37℃. The Shapiro-wilk test was used to determine whether the data were normally distributed. The numbers of colonies were counted and compared using one-factor ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-hoc test. The mean numbers of colonies in the control group were 60.3, where the numbers of colonies in the irradiated group were 51.4 at 7.5 min, 53.5 at 15 min, 44.6 at 30 min, 34.3 at 60 min. The mean number of colonies in the 60 min irradiated group differed significantly from that in the control, 7.5 min, and 15 min groups. The Bonferroni's post-hoc test showed significant difference in the number of colonies between control vs. 30 min control vs. 60 min, 7.5 min vs. 60 min, 15 min vs. 60 min. PBM with 680 nm LEDs on MRSA for 340 J at 30 min and 680 J at 60 min inhibited the growth of cell colonies. These findings support the use of photobiomodulation in Central venous port to prevent CV access port-Blood stream infection.