Abstract
Objective:
The aim of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the effects of the indocyanine green (ICG)–near-infrared (NIR) photoreaction on Streptococcus mutans biofilms.
Background:
ICG recently emerged as a photosensitive agent for photodynamic therapy. Although the effects of ICG–NIR on S. mutans inhibition are documented, little is known about its influence on biofilms, which are resistant to antimicrobial treatment and a major cause of plaque that leads to dental caries.
Methods:
ICG was used as a photosensitizer with a diode laser irradiated in a rectangular shape (810 nm, 300 mW) as a light source on S. mutans ATCC 25175 biofilms. Viability was determined by the colony forming unit (CFU) count and confocal laser-scanning microscopy. The biofilm surface temperature was measured with a one-channel thermocouple thermometer.
Results:
ICG and NIR diode laser significantly decreased the CFU count of S. mutans compared with the control group in a time-dependent manner. When irradiated with light after ICG application, temperature changes of 8.4°C, 12.4°C, and 14.9°C were observed with 10, 30, and 60 sec of irradiation, respectively.
Conclusions:
The ICG–NIR diode laser photoreaction can inhibit S. mutans biofilms, especially at 60 sec. An optimized protocol is needed for clinical application of ICG–NIR diode laser treatment.
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