Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in Oral Health
Summary
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an emerging adjunct in oral healthcare that employs a photosensitiser activated by specific wavelengths of light in the presence of oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS, notably singlet oxygen, inflict oxidative damage on microbial cell membranes, proteins and nucleic acids, leading to rapid inactivation of bacteria, fungi and viruses without reliance on conventional antibiotics. In dentistry, aPDT has been investigated for the management of dental caries, root canal disinfection, periodontal and peri-implant infections, mucosal lesions and sterilisation of prosthetic surfaces. Its site-specific mode of action minimises harm to host tissues and reduces the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Technological advances in photosensitiser chemistry and delivery—such as nanoparticle encapsulation, hydrogel matrices and targeted biomaterials—have enhanced penetration into biofilms, improved photostability and enabled controlled release. Clinically, pilot studies have demonstrated safety and adjunctive benefits in chronic periodontitis and endodontic therapy, with reductions in pocket depth, bleeding indices and microbial load. Globally, aPDT offers a non-invasive, cost-effective strategy to address rising antimicrobial resistance and to support oral health in diverse settings.
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Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in Oral Health publication trend
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Technical terms
Photosensitiser: A light-absorbing molecule that, upon activation by a specific wavelength, transfers energy to oxygen to generate cytotoxic species.
Singlet oxygen: A high-energy, electronically excited form of oxygen responsible for much of the microbial cell damage in photodynamic therapy.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules—including superoxide, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide—that mediate oxidative destruction of pathogens.
Biofilm: A structured community of microorganisms encased in an extracellular polymeric matrix, exhibiting enhanced resistance to antimicrobials.
Nanocarrier: A nanoscale delivery vehicle (e.g., liposome, polymeric nanoparticle) designed to improve photosensitiser stability, targeting and penetration into microbial cells and biofilms.
References
- Photodynamic therapy empowered by nanotechnology for oral and dental science: Progress and perspectives. Nanotechnology Reviews (2023).
- In Vitro Eradication of Planktonic, Saliva and Biofilm Bacteria Using Lingonberry Extract as a Photosensitizer for Visible Light Plus Water-Filtered Infrared-A Irradiation. Nutrients (2023).
- Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for inactivation of biofilms formed by oral key pathogens. Frontiers in Microbiology (2014).
- Utility of Photodynamic Therapy in Dentistry: Current Concepts. Dentistry Journal (2020).
- Polymeric Nanoparticle-Based Photodynamic Therapy for Chronic Periodontitis in Vivo. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2016).
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