Analysis of biofilm microcosm from dental caries after application of photodynamic therapy with fotoenticine®

• Grant number: 20/08345-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2020
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Campos Junqueira
• Grantee: Rafael Araújo da Costa Ward
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Microcosm biofilms can mimic the biofilms of the oral cavity, being an important study tool in the investigation of therapeutic strategies for dental caries. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is considered a promising alternative for the treatment of this disease, however there is a need for more effective photosensitizers against dental biofilm. Therefore, the objective of this study will be to evaluate the effectiveness of PDT, using a newly synthesized photosensitizer (Fotoenticine® FTC) on oral microcosm biofilms, seeking to understand its mechanisms of action through microscopic analysis. Caries lesion samples will be collected from patients for the formation of microcosm biofilm in bovine dentine specimens. After 72 h of biofilm formation, in vitro photosensitization will be performed using Fotoenticine® associated with the LED with a wavelength of 660 nm. Moreover, this study will include Methylene Blue (MB), a well-known photosensitizer and already approved for clinical use in Brazil. The experimental groups will be distributed as follows: control without treatment (PS-L-); application of LED only (PS-L+); FTC and irradiation (FTC+L+); application of FTC only (FTC+L-); Methylene Blue and irradiation (MB+L+) and application only of Methylene Blue (MB+L-). Next, the biofilms will be analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy for structural analysis of the biofilm surface and by Confocal Microscopy to determine cell viability. The data obtained will be analyzed to select the most appropriate statistical test, considering a significance level of 5%.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

GARCIA, MAIRA TERRA; WARD, RAFAEL ARAUJO DA COSTA; GONCALVES, NATHALIA MARIA FERREIRA; PEDROSO, LARA LUISE CASTRO; NETO, JOSE VIEIRA DA SILVA; STRIXINO, JULIANA FERREIRA; JUNQUEIRA, JULIANA CAMPOS. Susceptibility of Dental Caries Microcosm Biofilms to Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Fotoenticine. PHARMACEUTICS, v. 13, n. 11, NOV 2021. (20/08345-0, 20/06909-4)