Indocyanine Green-Assisted and LED-Light-Activated Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy Reduces Dental Plaque

• Main Authors: Sakari Nikinmaa, Niina Moilanen, Timo Sorsa, Juha Rantala, Heikki Alapulli, Anja Kotiranta, Petri Auvinen, Esko Kankuri, Jukka H. Meurman, Tommi Pätilä
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-05-01
• Series: Dentistry Journal
• Subjects: antibacterial photodynamic therapy; dental plaque; gingivitis
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6767/9/5/52
• ISSN: 2304-6767

Aim: This study aimed to determine the feasibility and first efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG)-assisted antimicrobial photodynamictherapy (aPDT) as activated using LED light to the dental plaque. Methods: Fifteen healthy adults were assigned to this four-day randomized study. After rinsing with ICG, 100 J/cm² of 810 nm LED light was applied to the aPDT-treatment area. Plaque area and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) were measured, and plaque bacteriomes before and after the study were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: aPDT administration was preformed successfully and plaque-specifically with the combination of ICG and the applicator. Total plaque area and endpoint MMP-8 levels were reduced on the aPDT-treatment side. aPDT reduced <i>Streptococcus</i>, <i>Acinetobacteria</i>, <i>Capnocytophaga</i>, and <i>Rothia</i> bacteria species in plaques. Conclusion: ICG-assisted aPDT reduces plaque forming bacteria and exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-proteolytic effects.