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Lasers in Medical Science
Published in: Lasers in Medical Science 9/2021

01-12-2021 | Escherichia Coli | Review Article

Low-power lasers on bacteria: stimulation, inhibition, or effectless?

Authors: Adenilson de Souza da Fonseca, Luiz Philippe da Silva Sergio, Andre Luiz Mencalha, Flavia de Paoli

Published in: Lasers in Medical Science | Issue 9/2021

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Abstract

Clinical protocols based on low-power lasers have been widely used for inflammation process resolution improvement, pain relief, wound healing, and nerve regeneration. However, there are concerns if exposure to such lasers could have negative effects on infected organs and tissues. There are experimental data suggesting exposure to radiations emitted by low-power lasers either induces stimulation, inhibition, or it is effectless on bacterial cultures. Thus, this review aimed to carry out a review of studies and to propose a hypothesis to explain why exposure to low-power lasers could stimulate, inhibit, or have no effect on bacteria. A literature search was carried out for assessment of published reports on effect of low-power lasers on bacteria. The experimental data suggest that keys for determining laser-induced effects on bacteria are specific physical laser and biological parameters. Final consequence on bacterial cells could depend on exposure to low-power laser which could either cause more stimulation of endogenous photoacceptors, more excitation of endogenous photosensitizers, or a balance between such effects.
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Metadata
Title
Low-power lasers on bacteria: stimulation, inhibition, or effectless?
Authors
Adenilson de Souza da Fonseca
Luiz Philippe da Silva Sergio
Andre Luiz Mencalha
Flavia de Paoli
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
Springer London
Published in
Lasers in Medical Science / Issue 9/2021
Print ISSN: 0268-8921
Electronic ISSN: 1435-604X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-021-03258-5

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