Antibacterial and antifungal activity of curcumin and methylene blue associated with laser on bacterial and fungal strains

ABSTRACT

Objective:To analyze the effect of methylene blue and 10% curcumin in fungi and bacteria through an in vitrostudy using photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods:Curcumin and methylene blue were photosensitized by a Photon Lase III laser applied for 90 s in a dark environment within a laminar flow chamber. Enterococcus faecalisand Candida albicans strains were cultured and standardized.Then, a minimum inhibitoryconcentration (MIC) assay was conducted for these photosensitizers, with concentration variations and incubation to evaluate their antimicrobial activity. Results:With PDT, Curcumin had significant antibacterial activity against E. faecalis (MIC = 250 µg/mL).In contrast, methylene blue had antibacterial activity against E. faecalis (MIC < 12.5 µg/mL with PDT) and antifungal activity against C. albicans (MIC <12.5 µg/mL with or without PDT).Both agents showed greater efficacy in the presence of the laser.The results suggest that curcumin and methylene blue associated with laser may effectively treat microbial infections. Conclusion:Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using these agents in animal and human models and theireffectiveness against different bacterial and fungal strains.