The Advantages of the Photolysis of Hydrogen Peroxide Utilizing LED Light as a Hydroxyl Radical-Based Disinfection Methodology for Photoeradication of Dental Plaque Biofilms

The selective “targeting” of cells utilizing dye photosensitizes inherent in the conventional PDT paradigm was originally developed for eukaryotic (mammalian) cells and tissues. However, this methodology and the confusing array of protocols associated with its use may not be the best approach in eradicating prokaryotic (bacterial) cells in dental biofilm microenvironments. The Photolysis of H2O2 utilizing LED light produces a more “global” eradication of microbes via the production of the lethal hydroxyl radical. This may be a more desirable approach, in part; due to the unique and structured way “pioneer” microbes form and grow in the oral plaque. Several dental researchers have investigated this methodology and have had notable success. It is proposed that the search for different dye photosensitizes, corresponding light sources and their affinities for different phenotypes of bacteria in oral plaque biofilm is overcome by utilizing the Photolysis of H2O2 to create hydroxyl radicals. The advantages of the use of the photolysis of H20 with LED light versus conventional Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as it applies to oral plaque biofilms are discussed.