Can light‐based approaches overcome antimicrobial resistance?

Abstract

The relentless rise of antibiotic resistance is considered one of the most serious problems facing mankind. This mini-review will cover three cutting-edge approaches that use light-based techniques to kill antibiotic-resistant microbial species, and treat localized infections. First, we will discuss antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation using rationally designed photosensitizes combined with visible light, with the added possibility of strong potentiation by inorganic salts such as potassium iodide. Second, the use of blue and violet light alone that activates endogenous photoactive porphyrins within the microbial cells. Third, it is used for "safe UVC" at wavelengths between 200 nm and 230 nm that can kill microbial cells without damaging host mammalian cells. We have gained evidence that all these approaches can kill multidrug resistant bacteria in vitro, and they do not induce themselves any resistance, and moreover can treat animal models of localized infections caused by resistant species that can be monitored by noninvasive bioluminescence imaging. Light-based antimicrobial approaches are becoming a growing translational part of anti-infective treatments in the current age of resistance.

Inactivation Effect of Violet and Blue Light on ESKAPE Pathogens and Closely Related Non-pathogenic Bacterial Species – A Promising Tool Against Antibiotic-Sensitive and Antibiotic-Resistant Microorganisms

“…Among research efforts to find alternative antimicrobial approaches, light-based technologies experience an intensified investigation ( Mulani et al, 2019 ). Especially irradiation treatment with wavelengths in the range of visible light is often indicated as a possible antibiotic alternative ( Wang et al, 2017 ; Hamblin and Abrahamse, 2019 ). Indeed, there seem to be multiple advantages.…”

The Prospective Beneficial Effects of Red Laser Exposure on Lactocaseibacillus casei Fermentation of Skim Milk

“…Bacteria with their variable cell wall structure and classifications comprise different optical characteristics that would influence light treatment modalities [ 38 ]. There should be an equilibrium and consideration between the quantum yield needed for killing a single pathogen and how deep can the used light penetrate through the tissue and its wavelength [ 39 ]. Kohli and Gupta have demonstrated that oxygen species production is induced by IR and visible light.…”

Bodipy-Loaded Micelles Based on Polylactide as Surface Coating for Photodynamic Control of Staphylococcus aureus

“…To deliver PSs, Hamblin [8] recently proposed some types of nano-drug systems, such as liposomes and micelles. For example, the photoinactivation of Staphylococcus aureus by chlorophyll derivatives was increased by the use of liposomes compared to micelles, suggesting that this delivery system is promising in aPDI applications [9].…”