Blue laser light inhibits biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo by inducing oxidative stress

NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes. 2019 Oct 9;5(1):29. doi: 10.1038/s41522-019-0102-9. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Resolution of bacterial infections is often hampered by both resistance to conventional antibiotic therapy and hiding of bacterial cells inside biofilms, warranting the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Here, we report the efficacy of blue laser light in eradicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells, grown in planktonic state, agar plates and mature biofilms, both in vitro and in vivo, with minimal toxicity to mammalian cells and tissues. Results obtained using knock-out mutants point to oxidative stress as a relevant mechanism by which blue laser light exerts its anti-microbial effect. Finally, the therapeutic potential is confirmed in a mouse model of skin wound infection. Collectively, these data set blue laser phototherapy as an innovative approach to inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm formation, and thus as a realistic treatment option for superinfected wounds.

Keywords: Biofilms; Dentistry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Biofilms / radiation effects*
  • Cell Line
  • Culture Media
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Lasers*
  • Light*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Models, Biological
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / therapy
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / growth & development*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / radiation effects*
  • Radiotherapy / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Infection / therapy

Substances

  • Culture Media