In vitro investigation of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of LED irradiation

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the proper wavelengths for safe levels of light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation with bactericidal and photobiomodulation effects in vitro. METHODS: Cell viability tests of fibroblasts and osteoblasts after LED irradiation at 470, 525, 590, 630, and 850 nm were performed using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay. The bactericidal effect of 470-nm LED irradiation was analyzed with Streptococcus gordonii, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia. Levels of nitric oxide, a proinflammatory mediator, were measured to identify the anti-inflammatory effect of LED irradiation on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. RESULTS: LED irradiation at wavelengths of 470, 525, 590, 630, and 850 nm showed no cytotoxic effect on fibroblasts and osteoblasts. LED irradiation at 630 and 850 nm led to fibroblast proliferation compared to no LED irradiation. LED irradiation at 470 nm resulted in bactericidal effects on S. gordonii, A. actinomycetemcomitans, F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis, and T. forsythia. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 inflammation was reduced by irradiation with 525-nm LED before LPS treatment and irradiation with 630-nm LED after LPS treatment; however, the effects were limited. CONCLUSIONS: LED irradiation at 470 nm showed bactericidal effects, while LED irradiation at 525 and 630 nm showed preventive and treatment effects on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 inflammation. The application of LED irradiation has potential as an adjuvant in periodontal therapy, although further investigations should be performed in vivo.