Treatment of dental plaque biofilms using photodynamic therapy (ver.1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Treatment of dental plaque biofilms using photodynamic therapy
IRAS ID
149271
Contact name
Aysha S Alsaif
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Research summary
Accumulation of dental plaque (a sticky film of bacteria and sugars) on teeth surfaces is the cause of the most common bacterial diseases in humans such as tooth decay and gum disease. The traditional methods to control dental plaque are tooth brushing and using antiseptic mouth-rinses. However, these methods are not always appropriate. A potential new method to control dental plaque is photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses a light-sensitive dye (photosensitiser) that is activated when exposed to light. When activated, the photosensitiser becomes toxic to the bacteria that make up the dental plaque. The photosensitiser used in this study is called erythrosine and is currently used routinely by dentists in clinic to stain and visualise dental plaque.
In this study, funded by University of Leeds, we intend to recruit 18 adult healthy participants at School of Dentistry. Participants will be instructed to wear a lower removable appliance for two weeks continuously, except when eating, drinking, and tooth brushing. The study will have two active phases for the participants, each lasting for two weeks. The appliances will contain six sterilised enamel chips, three in each side of the appliance, where dental plaque will be accumulated. On completion of each two week period, the appliances will be collected by the researcher and the enamel chips will be removed in the laboratory. Measurements of the living bacteria in the plaque samples formed on the enamel chips will be carried out in the laboratory before and after PDT, including a range of light application protocols and different incubation times of bacteria in erythrosine solution (220µM). This will help improve the treatment to be of use to both healthy and vulnerable patient groups in daily plaque removal and therefore aid in maintaining good dental health.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SC/1226
Date of REC Opinion
19 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion