In‐depth analysis of antibacterial mechanisms of laser generated shockwave treatment

Abstract

Taken together, LGS does not appear to have direct bacteriocidal properties, but rather by allowing for biofilm disruption and bacterial cell membrane permeabilization, both of which likely increase topical antibiotic delivery to pathogenic organisms. Insight into the mechanisms of LGS will allow for improved clinical applications and facilitate safe and effective translation of this technology. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Biofilm dispersion: The key to biofilm eradication or opening Pandora’s box?

“…When a S. epidermidis biofilm formed in an ex vivo pigskin model was treated with laser generated shockwaves and polycarbonate as the energy transferring medium, the biofilm was reduced by 52% [ 108 ]. Additionally, when the polycarbonate was coated with a titanium layer, the biofilm disrupting effect of the shockwave was improved and resulted in a biofilm reduction of 80%; in addition the anti-biofilm effect of gentamicin was potentiated by these laser generated shockwaves [ 109 , 110 ]. Laser induced shockwaves are currently also used in dental care, where they are induced by the rapid energy absorption which creates water vapor bubbles that upon implosion disrupt the biofilm [ 102 , 111 , 112 ].…”