ow can biophotonics help dentistry to avoid or minimize cross infection by SARS-CoV-2

Author(s):Show less -

Besegato, Joao Felipe ^[1] ; Gobbo de Melo, Priscila Borges ^[1] ; Tamae, Patricia Eriko ^[1] ; Aparecida Raimundo Alves, Ana Paula ^[1] ; Rondon, Luis Felipe ^[1] ; Leanse, Leon G. ^[2] ; dos Anjos, Carolina ^[2] ; Casarin, Heitor Hussni ^[3] ; Chinelatti, Michelle Alexandra ^[3] ; Faria, Gisele ^[1] ; Dai, Tianhong ^[2] ; Bagnato, Vanderlei Salvador ^[4] ; de Souza Rastelli, Alessandra Nara ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Sch Dent, Dept Restorat Dent, 1680 Humaita St 3rd Floor, BR-14801903 Araraquara, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Harvard, Massachusetts Gen Hosp, Wellman Ctr Photomed, Harvard Med Sch, Boston, MA 02114 - USA

^[3] Cent Paulista Univ Ctr UNICEP, Dent Sch, BR-13563470 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Phys Inst Sao Carlos, BR-13566590 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy; v. 37, MAR 2022.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Biophotonics is defined as the combination of biology and photonics (the physical science of the light). It is a general term for all techniques that deal with the interaction between biological tissues/cells and photons (light). Biophotonics offers a great variety of techniques that can facilitate the early detection of diseases and promote innovative theragnostic approaches. As the COVID-19 infection can be transmitted due to the face-to-face communication, droplets and aerosol inhalation and the exposure to saliva, blood, and other body fluids, as well as the handling of sharp instruments, dental practices are at increased risk of infection. In this paper, a literature review was performed to explore the application of Biophotonics approaches in Dentistry focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic and how they can contribute to avoid or minimize the risks of infection in a dental setting. For this, search-related papers were retrieved from PubMED, Scielo, Google Schoolar, and American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention databases. The body of evidence currently available showed that Biophotonics approaches can reduce microorganism load, decontaminate surfaces, air, tissues, and minimize the generation of aerosol and virus spreading by minimally invasive, time-saving, and alternative techniques in general. However, each clinical situation must be individually evaluated regarding the benefits and drawbacks of these approaches, but always pursuing less-invasive and less aerosol-generating procedures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07276-1 - CEPOF - Optics and Photonic Research Center
• Grantee: Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 19/10851-4 - SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITY OF BLUE LIGHT IN COMBINATION WITH CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC ANTIMICROBIAL AGAINST DRUG-RESISTANT PATHOGENS
• Grantee: Carolina dos Anjos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate