Study of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether-mediated blue-light photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral ulcers infected with Staphylococcus aureus: In vivo evaluation

Treatment of aphthous ulcers with photodynamic therapy: A randomized controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess whether photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a clinically effective alternative for treating oral aphthous ulcers, contributing to the ongoing quest for methods to expedite their treatment process amidst the limited understanding of their etiology.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The study involved thirty volunteers with aphthous ulcers, split equally between a control group and a PDT group. Patients in the PDT group received laser treatment using Indocyanine green upon admission, while the control group received no intervention. Lesion diameter was measured at presentation and on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days for all patients, with wound healing assessed on the 7th day. Additionally, pain levels were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) preoperatively and on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days for the PDT group, and on the corresponding days for the control group.

RESULTS

Lesion diameters in the PDT group showed a significant reduction over time (p = 0.001), particularly from preoperative to final measurements. The control group also exhibited a decrease, albeit slower (p = 0.001). The 7th-day healing scores favored the PDT group significantly (p = 0.012). VAS scores in the PDT group decreased significantly over time (p = 0.001), indicating pain reduction. A similar trend was observed in the control group, albeit slower. Between-group differences in healing data and pain data were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

PDT proves effective in reducing aphthous ulcer diameters and pain intensity, facilitating faster healing than the control group. These results advocate for PDT as a viable treatment option for aphthous lesions.

Carbomer Hydrogel Composed of Cu2O and Hematoporphyrin Monomethyl Ether Promotes the Healing of Infected Wounds

Infectious wounds pose a significant challenge in the field of wound healing primarily due to persistent inflammation and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To combat these issues, the development of an effective wound dressing that can prevent infection and promote healing is of the utmost importance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising noninvasive treatment strategy for tackling antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A biodegradable photosensitizer called hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) has shown potential in generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon laser activation to combat bacteria. However, the insolubility of HMME limits its antibacterial efficacy and its ability to facilitate skin healing. To overcome these limitations, we have synthesized a compound hydrogel by combining carbomer, HMME, and Cu2O nanoparticles. This compound hydrogel exhibits enhanced antimicrobial ability and excellent biocompatibility and promotes angiogenesis, which is crucial for the healing of skin defects. By integrating the benefits of HMME, Cu2O nanoparticles, and the gel-forming properties of carbomer, this compound hydrogel shows great potential as an effective wound dressing material. In summary, the compound hydrogel developed in this study offers a promising solution for infectious wounds by addressing the challenges of infection prevention and promoting skin healing. This innovative approach utilizing PDT and the unique properties of the compound hydrogel could significantly improve the outcomes of wound healing in clinical settings.