Anti-microbial photodynamic therapy: useful in the future?

Previous chapters in this volume have focused on fundamental principles and clinical applications of PDT. This chapter will attempt to outline emerging areas of research to identify some new applications that may become useful in the future in clinical practise. The worldwide rise in antibiotic resistance has driven research to the development of novel anti-microbial strategies. Cutaneous diseases caused by MRSA are ideally suited to treatment by anti-microbial photodynamic therapy for eradicating localized infections and for modulating wound healing due to the ability to deliver photosensitizer and light with topical application. The use of photosensitizer and light as an anti-microbial agent against periodontal microbial biofilms should also represent an attractive method of eliminating oral bacteria. Suitable light sources, laser light and non-coherent light will be briefly covered. This chapter will focus on some aspects of anti-microbial photodynamic therapy that appear to be promising for dermatological indications and inactivation of pathogenic bacteria within the oral cavity.