Inactivation of oral biofilms using visible light and water-filtered infrared A radiation and indocyanine green

Aim: To investigate the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) of visible light and water-filtered infrared A radiation in combination with indocyanine green (ICG) on planktonic oral microorganisms as well as on oral biofilm. Methods: The irradiation was conducted for 5 min in combination with ICG. Treatment with chlorhexidine served as a positive control. The number of colony forming units and bacterial vitality were quantified. Results: All tested bacterial strains and salivary bacteria were killed at a level of 3log(10). The colony forming units of the initial mature oral biofilms were strongly reduced. The high bactericidal effect of aPDT was confirmed by live/dead staining. Conclusion: The aPDT using visible light and water-filtered infrared A radiation and ICG has the potential to treat periodontitis and peri-implantitis.