PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY MEDIATED BY METHYLENE BLUE AGAINST ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS: A REVIEW OF THE LAST 20 YEARS OF PROTOCOLS AND ADVANCES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5335/rfo.v30i1.16773Keywords:
Photodynamic Therapy, Methylene Blue, Enterococcus faecalis, EndodonticsAbstract
Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by methylene blue (MB) has been investigated as a promising approach to combat Enterococcus faecalis, a resistant pathogen often associated with persistent endodontic infections. Objective: To conduct a detailed review of the protocols used in methylene blue-mediated photodynamic therapy against E. faecalis over the last 20 years, highlighting the main strategies, operational parameters, and results obtained. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted, with searches in the MEDLINE database (via PubMed), selecting studies that addressed MB concentrations, light sources, irradiation times, and combinations with adjuvants against E. faecalis. Results: The results demonstrated that the efficacy of PDT depends on factors such as MB concentration, energy dose, and combination with adjuvants, such as potassium iodide (KI) and hydrogen peroxide (Hâ‚‚Oâ‚‚). Protocols using MB at concentrations between 0.001% and 0.01%, red light in the range of 660–670 nm, and fluence of 30–60 J/cm² proved to be particularly effective. Conclusion: MB-mediated PDT is a viable strategy for controlling E. faecalis, especially in cases of resistance to conventional treatments, but the standardization of protocols and the conduct of clinical trials are necessary to consolidate its clinical application.
Keywords: Photodynamic Therapy. Methylene Blue. Enterococcus faecalis. Endodontics.
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