Candida albicans sterilization using a light-emitting diode and methylene blue

Abstract

Background and aims: Conventional fungal treatment using external medication requires considerable time and effort. We herein examined the basic effect of methylene blue (MB) with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on Candida albicans sterilization using photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT). Materials and methods: NaHCO3 was added to MB to establish a basic pH. Then, C. albicans was smeared on a medium with basic MB followed by irradiation using a red light-emitting diode (LED) with a wavelength of 660 nm. The applied energy fluencies were 5, 10, 15, and 20 J/cm2. After 48 h of culture, the effects of the intervention were determined according to the fungal growth area. Results: The basic effect appeared at a pH range of 8.6 to 8.9 and at 10 and 15 J/cm2, while the NaHCO3 concentration was between 1% and 2%. Conclusions: Our results suggested that PACT using basic MB was effective for C. albicans sterilization.