Photodynamic inactivation of Candida albicans using a synthesized bacteriochlorin as a photosensitizer

Abstract

In this study, Candida albicans in its planktonic form, was used as target microorganism. This species frequently appears in superficial and invasive infections because of its pathogenic potential, and it is becoming highly resistant. Bacteriochlorin was used as a photosensitizer, presenting absorption around 780 nm and low toxicity in the absence of light. The objective was to evaluate its photodynamic inactivation potential in Candida albicans. The photosensitizer was synthesized from the extraction of bacteriochlorophylls derived from non-sulfurous purple bacteria and the converted to bacteriochlorin. The inoculum of Candida albicans was grown for 24 hours and adjusted to the concentration of 106 CFU/mL. The device used for the emission of light was a homemade device with LEDs of 780 nm wavelength. The quantitative evaluation of viable cells was performed by spread plate in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. The results showed that this new bacteriochlorin is not much stable in its absorption peak, being necessary a better chemical characterization to verify its antimicrobial potential.