O tratamento convencional para lesões de cáries dentinárias tem sido baseado na remoção mecânica da dentina desmineralizada, utilizando instrumentos cortantes manuais ou rotatórios. Como uma alternativa à remoção dos microrganismos responsáveis pela lesão com o desgaste da estrutura dental, a proposta deste estudo é eliminá-los por meio da fotossensibilização promovida pela irradiação da lesão com um laser de baixa potência, associado a um corante específico. Se as bactérias presentes na lesão cariosa puderem ser eliminadas, o tecido desmineralizado poderia ser preservado, evitando-se a ocorrência de exposição pulpar, principalmente no caso de lesões profundas. A terapia envolve a utilização de um agente fotossensibilizante que, ao ser ativado por uma fonte de luz visível comprimento de onda compatível com o corante, induz a formação de espécies reativas de oxigênio, como o oxigênio singleto e radicais livres, responsáveis pela morte celular. Com o objetivo de avaliar a efetividade da terapia fotodinâmica in vivo, lesões de cárie profundas em molares permanentes (n=26) foram tratadas com corante azul de metileno 0,01% e irradiadas com laser diodo em baixa intensidade (= 660 nm) por 90 segundos. Amostras de dentina cariada da parede pulpar das lesões foram coletadas com micropunch e mantidas no meio de transporte VMGA III para a análise microbiológica. Após o processamento, as amostras foram semeadas nos meios, Ágar Mitis Salivarius Bacitracina, Ágar Rogosa e Ágar sangue, para as contagens de estreptocoos do grupo mutans, Lactobacillus spp. e total de bactérias viáveis, respectivamente. Passado o período de incubação, foi realizada a contagem de unidades formadoras de colônias das amostras coleadas para cada grupo, antes e após a terapia, e a porcentagem de redução microbiana em cada grupo de bactérias estudadas foi calculada. O testes de Wilcoxon demonstrou haver redução estatisticamente significante (p<0,0001) tanto para estreptococos do grupo mutans (78.07%), como para Lactobacillus spp. (78.0%) e para o total de bactérias viáveis (76.03%). De acordo com o teste de Mann-Whitney, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante para as porcentagens de redução entre os três grupos (p>0,05). A terapia fotodinâmica pode ser considerada uma técnica efetiva para a eliminação das bactérias presentes na dentina de lesões de cárie profundas, assegurando a preservação de estrutura dental durante o tratamento. / The traditional treatment of dentinal caries lesions has been based on the mechanical removal of all demineralized dentine, using hand or rotatory instruments. As an alternative to removal of the cariogenic organisms by drilling, the purpose of this study was to eliminate them through photosensitization promoted by irradiation with a low power laser associated with a specific dye. If bacteria in carious lesion could be eliminated, demineralized tissue could be retained and pulpal exposure could be avoided, particularly in case of deep carious lesions. Photodynamic therapy involves the use of photoactive dye that is activated by irradiation with light of an adequate wavelength causing the generation of cytotoxic species, such as singlet oxygen and free radicals. In order to evaluate in vivo the effectiveness of the therapy, remaining carious dentine of deep cavitated lesions on permanent molars (n=26) were treated with 0.01% methylene blue dye and irradiated with a low power diode laser (= 660 nm) for 90 seconds. Samples of dentine from pulpal wall were collected with a micropunch immediately before and after the therapy and kept in VGMA III transport medium for microbiological analysis. Samples were then cultured in Brucella blood agar, Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin agar and Rogosa agar plates to determine the total viable, S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. counts, respectively. After incubation, the number of colony-forming units was counted and the percentage of microbial reduction was calculated for each group of bacteria studied. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests showed that there was a statistically significant reduction (p<0,0001) of the dentin microflora after photodynamic therapy for the total of viable bacteria (76.03%), S. mutans (78.07%) and Lactobacillus spp. (78.0%) and that there was no statistic differences for its efficiency between groups (p>0,05). Photodynamic antimicrobial therapy can be considered an effective technique to kill bacteria present in dentine from deep carious lesions.

O tratamento da doença periodontal consiste na remoção mecânica do biofilme, sendo que terapias complementares como a terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (aPDT) podem melhorar os resultados obtidos. Este trabalho avaliou in vitro o efeito dos corantes azul de toluidina e azul de metileno com distintos parâmetros de laser (70; 100mW) e LED em Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a) em suspensão. O primeiro experimento avaliou efeito bactericida de diferentes concentrações dos dois corantes sozinhos (0,05; 0,1; 0,5, 1,0; 2,0; 5,0; 10 mg/ml). O segundo foi dividido nos seguintes grupos: controles positivo e negativo (gentamicina), grupos somente com luz aplicada, grupos com três concentrações (0,05; 0,1; 10 mg/ml) de corante sozinhos ou associados ao laser de baixa intensidade (660 nm; 2,91 e 4,16 W/cm2; 70 e 100mW; 45 J/cm2; 0,024 cm2; 12 e 18s) e LED (627 ± 10 nm; 150mW/cm2; 10,5 mW; 20 J/cm2; 0,07cm2; 123s). Os dados foram analisados pelo teste ANOVA complementado por Tukey (p<0,05). Os resultados demonstraram que ambos os corantes na concentração de 10 mg/ml sozinhos ou associados com laser (ambas as potências) ou LED causaram 100 % de morte bacteriana semelhante ao controle negativo (p>0,05). Com isso, pode-se concluir que aPDT pode eliminar o A.a. de forma dependente da concentração do corante. / The main treatment of periodontal disease is the mechanical removal of biofilm. Adjuvant therapies as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) may offer better results. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of toluidine and methylene blue dyes, associated to red laser (70; 100mW) and LED on elimination of a suspension of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a). A first test evaluated the bactericidal effect of various concentrations of both dyes (0.05; 0.1; 0.5, 1.0; 2.0; 5.0, 10 mg/ml) in absence of light. In the second test, the experimental groups consisted of positive and negative (gentamicin) controls, groups with three concentrations (0.05; 0.1,10 mg/ml) of dyes alone of associated to low level laser (660 nm; 2.91 and 4.16 W/cm2; 70 and 100mW; 45 J/cm2; 0.024 cm2; 12 and 18s) and LED (627 ± 10 nm; 150mW/cm2; 10.5 mW; 20 J/cm2; 0.07cm2; 123s). Data were analyzed by ANOVA complemented by Tukeys test (p<0.05). The results showed that both dyes, with 10 mg/ml, alone or associated to laser and LED caused 100% of death as the negative control (p>0.05). It can be concluded that aPDT is capable of eliminate A.a depending of the dye concentration.

A series of structurally related BODIPY dyes were synthesised and characterised. Their photophysical properties were studied in order to determine whether they would be suitable candidates for use as photosensitisers in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment of cancer. The synthesis of two highly fluorescent BODIPY cores was achieved via the acid-catalysed condensation of a pyrrole and a functionalised aldehyde. In order to promote intersystem crossing, and hence improve the singlet oxygen generation of these dyes, bromine atoms were added at the 2,6-positions of the BODIPY core. These dibrominated analogues showed good singlet oxygen quantum yields, and excellent photostability in ethanol. In order to red-shift the main spectral bands of the BODIPY dyes towards the therapeutic window, vinyl/ styryl groups were introduced at the 3-, 5-, and 7-positions via a modified Knoevengal condensation reaction. The addition of vinyl/ styryl groups to the BODIPY core caused an increase in fluorescence quantum yield as well as a decrease in singlet oxygen quantum yield with respect to the dibrominated analogues. However, two of the red-shifted BODIPY dyes still showed moderate singlet oxygen quantum yields. The use of BODIPY dyes in nonlinear optics (NLO) was explored. The nonlinear optical characterisations and optical limiting properties of a series of 3,5-dithienylenevinylene BODIPY dyes were studied, both in dimethylformamide (DMF) solution and when embedded in poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (PBC) as thin films. The 3,5-dithienylenevinylene BODIPY dyes showed typical nonlinear absorption behaviour, with reverse saturable absorption (RSA) profiles, indicating that they have potential as optical limiters. The second-order hyperpolarizability (Y), and third-order nonlinear susceptibility (/m[/(3)]) values are also reported for these dyes. The optical limiting values of one of the BODIPY dyes in solution, and two of the BODIPY-embedded PBC films, were below the maximum threshold of 0.95 J-cm-2. The effect of addition of substituents on the electronic structure of the BODIPY dyes was investigated using TD-DFT calculations. The calculated trends closely followed those determined experimentally.

M.Sc. / The ideal cancer treatment modality should not only cause tumour regression and eradication but also induce a systemic antitumour response, which is essential for the control of metastatic tumours and long-term tumour resistance. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a current approach in the treatment of various cancers. It involves the administration of a tumour-localizing photoreactive compound, which is activated at a specific wavelength of light. This therapy results in a sequence of photochemical and photobiological processes that cause irreversible photodamage to tumour tissues. Eradication is achieved by anti-tumour effects induced in the parenchyma and tumour vascular network. PDT can lead to a rapid cell death response in malignant cells, which has provided insight into the mechanisms behind photokilling. Oesophageal cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and in South Africa remains a problem of epidemic proportions affecting predominantly black males. The appearance of a number of new photosensitizers being developed will not only extend the number of choices for treating specific cancers, but also aid in the effective destruction of various tumour tissues. PDT has been an experimental clinical modality for the past two xii decades and has been shown to be successful for the treatment of advanced oesophageal cancer where other options have failed. The full potential of PDT as a treatment modality has not been clearly evaluated, which is one of the objectives of this study. Overall, PDT has the potential of being a promising therapeutic option in the effective treatment of oesophageal cancer, and through this study and the elucidation of the mechanisms of PDT action, it will provide a better future for those suffering from oesophageal cancer. A new photosensitizer known as Zinc Sulphophthalo-cyanine (ZnPcSmix) was studied on an oesophageal SNO cancer cell line in order to determine treatment-induced cell viability, cytotoxicity and the pathway followed to cell death. The major observations of this study revealed that PDT using ZnPcSmix resulted in a decrease in cell viability and proliferation, resulting in a cytotoxic response experienced by the cell. The outcome of this study revealed that the SNO cells experience a necrotic mode of cell death after using ZnPcSmix to induce photodamage. This was examined by light microscopy and confirmed by the lack of DNA fragmentation and decreased caspase-3 and caspase-7 expression levels. Hsp70 levels decreased resulting in lowered cytokine TNF-α release from necrotic cells. Hoechst nuclear staining revealed a disorganized nuclear pattern characteristic of necrotic release of cellular contents. The major findings of this study revealed the efficacy of ZnPcSmix as a new photosensitizing drug used during PDT to treat oesophageal cancer resulting in a decrease in cell viability and proliferation. Necrosis was the primary mechanism by which cells pursued death, which was dependent on the photosensitizer dose, cell type and irradiation fluence. ZnPcSmix–induced photodamage seen during PDT offers a new treatment option for patients suffering from oesophageal cancer and shows great promise in effectively treating early-stage oesophageal cancer.

No description available.

This work reports on the conjugation of differently shaped Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) with ClGa(III) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (1) as well as chloro - (5,10,15,20-tetrakis (4- (4- carboxy phenycarbonoimidoyl) phenyl) porphyrinato) gallium(III) (2) The work also reports on platination of dihydroxosilicon octacarboxyphthalocyanine (OH)₂SiOCPc (3) to give dihydroxosilicontris(diaquaplatinum)octacarboxyphthalocyanine (OH)₂SiOCPc(Pt)₃ (4). The resulting conjugates were used for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans. The degree of photo-inactivation is dependent on concentration of the conjugates, light dose (fluence) and illumination time. The log reduction obtained for 1 when conjugated to cubic PtNPs was 4.64 log (which indicate 99.99 percent of the bacteria have been killed), which is much higher than 3.94 log unit for 1-hexagonal PtNPs and 3.31 log units for 1-unshaped PtNPs. Complex 2 conjugated to hexagonal PtNPs showed 18 nm red shift in the Soret band when compared to 2 alone. Complex 2 and 2-hexagonal PtNPs as well showed promising photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) activity against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans in solution where the log reduction obtained was 4.92, 3.76, and 3.95 respectively for 2-hexagonal PtNPs. The singlet oxygen quantum yields obtained were higher at 0.56 for 2-hexagonl PtNPs in DMF while that of 2 was 0.52 in the same solvent. This resulted in improved PACT activity for 2-hexagonal PtNPs compared to 2. Complex 4 showed slight blue shifting of the absorption spectrum when compared to complex 3 The antimicrobial activity of 4 were promising as the highest log reduction value was observed when compared to the porphyrin conjugates.

CdTe QDs capped with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and thioglycolic acid (TGA) were covalently linked to zinc and indium tetraaminophthalocyanines (TAPcs) using N-ethyl-N(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) as the coupling agents. The results presented give evidence in favour of formation of an amide bond between the MTAPc and CdTe QDs. Both the linked ZnTAPc–QD complexes and the mixture of QDs and ZnTAPc (without chemical linking) showed Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), though the linked showed less FRET, whereas the QD interactions with InTAPc yielded no evidence of FRET. Both MTAPcs quenched the QDs emission, with quenching constants of the order of 103–104M−1, binding constants of the order of 108-1010M-1 and the number of binding sites for the MTAPc upon the QD being 2. High energy transfer efficiencies were obtained (in some cases as high as 93%), due to the low donor to acceptor distances. Lastly, both MTAPc were shown to be poor optical limiters because their imaginary third-order susceptibility (Im[χ(3)]) was of the order of 10-17-10-16 (optimal range is 10-9-10-11), the hyperpolarizability (γ) of the order of 10-37-10-36 (optimal range is 10-29-10-34) and the k values were above one but below ten.

Orientador: Rosemary Adriana Chiérici Marcantonio / Resumo: A Terapia Fotodinâmica Antimicrobiana (Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy - aPDT), tem sido utilizada como um tratamento complementar na doença periodontal (DP). Ela combina um fotossensibilizador (FS) com uma fonte de luz que induz a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio que elimina células microbianas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, in vivo, os efeitos da aPDT (com o FS ftalocianina de zinco tetracarboxi-N-metilglucamina - 10μg/mL e luz LED vermelho - 655mn, 0,45W de potência), coadjuvante a Raspagem e Alisamento Radicular (RAR) e como monoterapia, além de verificar as respostas e alterações teciduais da DP induzida em ratos, pelas avaliações: microtomográfica, histométrica, estereométrica e histológica. Ligaduras foram inseridas nos sulcos dos segundos molares superiores para indução da DP. No Estudo 1, as ligaduras permaneceram por 15 dias e foram removidas para aplicar os tratamentos e no Estudo 2, as ligaduras foram colocadas por 7 dias e continuaram em posição por todo o experimento. 40 animais foram utilizados no Estudo 1 e distribuídos em 4 grupos: DP (Somente indução da doença, sem tratamento); RAR (Indução e tratamento básico periodontal); aPDT (Indução e aplicação da aPDT - FS ftalocianina de zinco tetracarboxi-N-metilglucamina e luz LED vermelho); RAR+aPDT (Indução, tratamento básico periodontal e aplicação da aPDT). 42 animais foram utilizados no Estudo 2 e divididos também em 4 grupos: FS (Tratamento somente com... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive method consisting in the application of a photosensitive dye, which is subsequently stimulated by a light source and reacts with oxygen, producing reactive species. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo, the aPDT effects (with the PS zinc tetracarboxy-N-metylglucamine phthalocyanine 10μg/mL, and red LED light with 655nm), as adjuvant treatment to Scaling Root and Planing (SRP) and as monotherapy and verify the responses and tissue changes after aPDT application in PD-induced rats by microtomographic, histometric, stereometric and histological evaluations. Ligatures were placed around the second maxillary molars for PD induction. In Study 1, the ligatures were placed for 15 days and then they were removed. On the following day the treatments were performed. In Study 2, the ligatures were placed for 7 days and remained in position throughout the periods. Forty animals were used in Study 1 and they were divided into 4 groups: PD (disease induction only, without treatment); SRP (induction and basic periodontal treatment); PDT (Induction and application of photodynamic therapy); SRP+PDT (induction, application of photodynamic therapy and basic periodontal treatment). Forty-two animals were used in Study 2 and they divided into 4 groups: PS (Treatment with zinc tetracarboxy-N-metylglucamine phthalocyanine only); Light (Treatment with red LED light irradiation only); aPDT (Treatment with photodynamic therapy - ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Orientador: Ana Cláudia Pavarina / Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana associada (aPDT) ao metronidazol (MTZ) em biofilmes periodontopatogênicos. Para tal finalidade, foram realizadas as seguintes etapas: (1) determinação do tempo de adesão (24 e 48 horas) e formação de biofilme mono e duo-espécie (3, 5 e 7 dias) de Fusobacterium nucleatum (NCTC 11326) e Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC 33277); (2) aplicação da aPDT mediada por PDZ associada ao MTZ em biofilmes mono-espécie de F. nucleatum e P. gingivalis. Foram avaliadas diferentes concentrações do PDZ (50, 75 e 100 mg/L) e dose de luz de 50 J/cm2 (660nm). Após a aplicação da aPDT, os biofilmes foram incubados com diferentes concentrações do MTZ (MIC, 50x MIC e 100x MIC) por 24 horas. Os grupos controles positivos (L-F-) não receberam fotossensibilizador e não foram iluminados. A viabilidade dos microrganismos após os tratamentos foi avaliada por meio da contagem de UFC/ml. Os resultados demonstraram que o período de adesão de 24 horas, seguido de 5 dias de formação de biofilme foi satisfatório para a obtenção de biofilmes maduros mono-espécie. Para F. nucleatum, os resultados demonstraram que aPDT 75 mg/mL associado com MTZ 100x MIC e aPDT 100 mg/L associado com MTZ nas concentrações de 50x MIC e 100x MIC reduziu significativamente o número de UFC/mL, 2,99; 2,9 e 3,94 Log10 respectivamente. Para P. gingivalis, a redução mais significativa de UFC/mL foi obtida quando a associação de aPDT 100 mg/L e MTZ 100x MIC ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of metronidazole (MTZ) associated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on periodontopathogenic biofilms. For this purpose, the following steps were performed: (1) determination of adhesion period (24 and 48 hours) and single and duo species biofilm formation (3, 5 and 7 days) of Fusobacterium nucleatum (NCTC 11326) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC 33277); (2) Photodithazine ® (PDZ)- mediated aPDT in association with MTZ in single-specie biofilms of F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis. Different concentrations of PDZ (50, 75 e 100 mg/L) and light dose of 50 J / cm2 (660nm) were evaluated. After application of aPDT, the biofilms were incubated with different concentrations of MTZ (MIC, 50x MIC and 100x MIC) for 24 hours. Positive control groups (L-F-) received no photosensitizer and were also not illuminated. The viability of the microorganisms after the treatments was evaluated by counting CFU/ml. The results demonstrated that the 24 hours adhesion period followed by 5 days of biofilm formation was satisfactory for obtaining a mature biofilm in single-specie. For F. nucleatum, the results demonstrated that 75 mg/L aPDT associated with MTZ 100x and 100 mg/mL aPDT associated with MTZ at 50x MIC and 100x MIC concentrations significantly reduced the number of CFU/mL, 2.99; 2.9 and 3.94 Log10 respectively. For P. gingivalis, the greatest reduction of CFU/mL was obtained when the association of aPDT 100 mg/L and MTZ 100x MIC was p... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Orientador: Ana Claudia Pavarina / Resumo: O estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a susceptibilidade ao fluconazol e a expressão de genes de virulência e envolvidos na síntese de ergosterol de cepa de Candida albicans resistente a fluconazol (ATCC 96901) presentes nas línguas de camundongos submetidos à aPDT associada a Nistatina. Para isso, colônias recuperadas de animais submetidos ao tratamento com aPDT e Nistatina (NIS) bem como a associação (NIS+aPDT e aPDT+NIS), foram armazenadas em glicerol 50% e utilizadas para o Teste de Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Fungicida Mínima (CFM). Além disso, as línguas dos animais submetidos aos tratamentos foram armazenadas em RNAlater (RNAlater Tissue Collection: RNA Stabilization Solution Protocol Ambion®) em freezer -80°C para avaliação da expressão gênica. Para realização do teste CIM, as cepas foram reativadas em placas de Ágar Sabouraud Dextrose (SDA), cultivadas em estufa 35°C por 48 h e avaliadas seguindo o método de microdiluição em caldo (CLSI) com algumas modificações. Foram realizadas diluições seriadas de fluconazol (variando de 2 a 1024 μg/ml) em meio RPMI 1640 (2 x concentrado), em suspensões (0,5x103 a 2,5x103 UFC/mL). As placas foram incubadas a 35°C e observadas quanto à presença ou ausência de crescimento após 24 h, além disso, foi realizado plaqueamento (CFM). Foram consideradas as menores concentrações de fluconazol que resultaram em inibição de pelo menos 50% do crescimento. A quantificação da expressão gênica foi realizada por meio da técni... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility to fluconazole and the expression of virulence genes and involved in ergosterol synthesis of fluconazole resistant strain of Candida albicans (ATCC 96901) present in the mouse's thongue submitted to aPDT associated with Nystatin. For this, colonies recovered from animals submitted to treatment with aPDT and Nystatin (NIS) as well as their association (NIS + aPDT and aPDT + NIS) were stored in 50% glycerol and used for the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Test (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC). In addition, part of the tongue of the treated animals were stored in RNAlater (RNAlater Tissue Collection: RNA Stabilization Solution Protocol Ambion®) in -80 °C freezer for evaluation of gene expression. To accomplish the MIC test, the strains were reactivate in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) plates, grown in a 35 °C oven for 48 h and evaluated using the broth microdilution method (CLSI) with some modifications. Serial dilutions of fluconazole (ranging from 2 to 1024 μg / ml) in RPMI 1640 medium (2x concentrate) were performed in suspensions (0.5x103 to 2.5x103 CFU / ml). The plates were incubated at 35 ° C and observed for presence or absence of growth after 24 h, plating was also performed (CFM). The lowest concentrations of fluconazole that resulted in inhibition of at least 50% growth were consider. The quantification of the gene expression was performed using quantitative Reverse Transcription-quantitative pol... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre