Unleashing the Hidden Potential: The Dynamic Duo of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy and Photobiomodulation: A Spectrophotometric Study

Abstract

Background: Despite intensive research, the ideal protocol applied to maximize the overall benefits of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) remains unexplored. Evidence exists that following aPDT, the diffused light beyond the photosensitizer can exert a secondary therapeutic effect known as photobiomodulation (PBM), which stimulates the healing of the surrounding tissues. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the attenuation properties of five different photosensitizers activated by their corresponding laser wavelengths. Methods: The illumination of various concentrations of chosen photosensitizers, curcumin, methylene blue, toluidine blue, indocyanine green and a methylene blue derivative, irradiated by their respective laser wavelengths (445 nm, 635 nm, 660 nm and 808 nm) was explored via a spectrophotometric analysis. The onward transmitted light intensities for each combination of a photosensitizer and laser wavelength were assessed. The attenuation percentages observed were statistically evaluated using an analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) model. A Tukey’s post hoc test was performed to determine the significance of differences between individual group mean values. Results: With the exception of toluidine blue illuminated by an 808 nm laser, which showed the lowest intensity loss, all the other photosensitizers presented an attenuation range of 63% to 99%. Conclusions: At appropriate concentrations, all the examined photosensitizers may allow the passage of sufficient wavelength-dependent light transmission. Calculated fluences are proposed to achieve secondary, beneficial PBM effects.