Latex membranes with methylene blue dye for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.

The search for new materials that can be applied in the treatment of injured human tissues has led to the development of new dressings. Membranes have potential as dressing materials because they can be fitted to and interact with the tissue surface. In this study, we analyze the morphological properties and wettability of latex membranes, along with the incorporation of the photosensitizer methylene blue, in the context of the utility of the membranes in curative applications involving photodynamic therapy (PDT). It was observed that deposition of the photosensitizer into latex membranes increased both the surface roughness and wettability. Antifungal testing indicated that antimicrobial PDT assisted by the latex membranes incorporating methylene blue effectively inactivated Candida albicans.