Highly efficient and biocompatible nanoparticle-based photosensitizer for treatment of acne vulgaris

Aim: Nanoparticle-based photosensitizers containing silver core and mesoporous silica shell with hematoporphyrin IX embedded were developed to treat vulgaris photodynamically. Materials & methods: The hybrid photosensitizers were dispersed in 30% polyethylene glycol (PEG-200) solution and used for the photodynamic treatment of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes under the illumination of a portable LED (similar to 410 nm). Results: After a 5 min illumination by the LED, the hybrid photosensitizers of 50 mu g/ml displayed killing efficacy of approximately 5-log for S. epidermidis and approximately 4-log for P. acnes. Results indicated that hybrid photosensitizers in PEG-200 matrix perform better than in deionized (DI) water (similar to 1-log increase in killing efficacy). Conclusion: Under short illumination of a portable LED, hybrid photosensitizers demonstrated immense potential for treatment of acne vulgaris without involving antibiotics.