Effect of a Combination of Photodynamic Therapy and Chitosan on Streptococcus mutans (An In Vitro Study)

This study aimed to assess the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chitosan separately and in combination on Streptococcus mutans.

This in vitro experimental study evaluated 216 microbial samples in 6 groups. First, 5 μL of 0.5 McFarland standard suspension of S. mutans was added to each well of an ELISA microplate; 100 μL of Mueller Hinton broth was also added to each well; 180 wells contained S. mutans suspension while 36 wells were devoid of bacteria. Group 1 served as the negative control and had no bacteria. Group 2 served as the positive control and S. mutans in the positive control wells did not undergo any intervention. In groups 3 and 4, PDT with a 50 mW low-level laser was performed for 30 and 40 seconds respectively. In group 5, 3 mg/mL of chitosan (100 μL) was used. In group 6, 3 mg/mL (100 μL) of chitosan was used in combination with PDT (50 mW laser for 30 seconds). The laser was irradiated under aseptic conditions at a 660 nm wavelength with 50 mW power. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test.

PDT combined with chitosan showed maximum bactericidal effect followed by PDT for 40 seconds and chitosan groups (P < 0.05). PDT for 30 seconds showed a minimum bactericidal effect (P < 0.05). All pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences (P < 0.001).

Chitosan and PDT alone can be used to decrease the S. mutans count. However, their combined use has a greater bactericidal effect on S. mutans.