Determination of Photosensitizing Potential of Lapachol for Photodynamic Inactivation of Bacteria

Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) offers a promising alternative to combat drug-resistant bacteria. This study explores the potential of lapachol, a natural naphthoquinone derived from <i>Tabebuia avellanedae</i>, as a photosensitizer (PS) for aPDI. Lapachol’s photosensitizi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Regiane G. Lima, Raphael S. Flores, Gabriella Miessi, Jhoenne H. V. Pulcherio, Laís F. Aguilera, Leandro O. Araujo, Samuel L. Oliveira, Anderson R. L. Caires
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Molecules
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/21/5184
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Summary:Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) offers a promising alternative to combat drug-resistant bacteria. This study explores the potential of lapachol, a natural naphthoquinone derived from <i>Tabebuia avellanedae</i>, as a photosensitizer (PS) for aPDI. Lapachol’s photosensitizing properties were evaluated using <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i> strains under blue LED light (450 nm). UV-vis spectroscopy confirmed lapachol’s absorption peak at 482 nm, aligning with effective excitation wavelengths for phototherapy. Photoinactivation assays demonstrated significant bacterial growth inhibition, achieving complete eradication of <i>S. aureus</i> at 25 µg·mL<sup>−1</sup> under light exposure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed morphological damage in irradiated bacterial cells, confirming lapachol’s bactericidal effect. This research underscores lapachol’s potential as a novel photosensitizer in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, addressing a critical need in combating antibiotic resistance.
ISSN:1420-3049