Use of secondary optical emission as a novel biofilm targeting technology

Abstract

Provided herein are methods and compositions useful for the treatment of periodontal disease exploiting optical and thermal emissions of near-infrared laser systems and fibers in order to target chromophore-stained biofilm while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

1 . A kit for the treatment of periodontal disease in a periodontal or periimplant tissue of a patient having periodontal disease comprising:
 A. a optical fiber extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being adapted to receive optical energy incident thereon in a near infrared spectral range, the optical fiber being adapted to transmit the received optical energy to the distal end, and the distal end being adapted to respond to the transmitted optical energy incident thereon, to emit, upon contact with at least a portion of the tissue, optical energy in a predetermined spectral range, wherein the predetermined spectral range differs from the near infrared spectral range;   B. a reservoir adapted to store a chromophore dye, the dye characterized by an absorption spectrum in the predetermined spectral range, the reservoir including an applicator assembly adapted to effect selective application of the chromophore dye to a region of the tissue.   
     
     
         2 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined spectral range is from about 600 nm to about 700 nm. 
     
     
         3 . A kit according to  claim 2 , wherein the optical energy is at a wavelength of about 830 nm. 
     
     
         4 . A kit according to  claim 1 , further comprising an optical energy source for generating optical energy in the near infrared spectrum, and an associated coupling assembly for coupling the optical energy to the proximal end of the optical fiber. 
     
     
         5 . The kit according to  claim 4 , wherein the predetermined spectral range is from about 600 nm to about 700 nm. 
     
     
         6 . The kit according to  claim 5 , wherein the generated optical energy is coherent. 
     
     
         7 . The kit according to  claim 6 , wherein the optical energy source is a diode laser operating at about 500-1200 mW, for generating the optical energy at a wavelength of about 830 nm. 
     
     
         8 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the chromophore dye is selected from the group consisting of Methylene Blue, Toludine Blue, Congo Red, and Malachite Green, the dye being disposed in the reservoir. 
     
     
         9 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the optical fiber is fused silica. 
     
     
         10 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein lateral surfaces of the optical fiber extending from the distal end toward the proximal end, are adapted to cause optical radiation incident thereon and propagating in the optical fiber from the distal end, to be refracted and pass through the lateral surfaces. 
     
     
         11 . A method for the treatment of periodontal disease in a periodontal or periimplant tissue of a patient having periodontal disease comprising the steps of:
 applying a chromophore dye composition to the tissue, the dye composition comprising at least one dye that absorbs light energy comprising at least one wavelength in a range of about 600 nm to 700 nm; and   irradiating the periodontal or periimplant tissue with laser energy comprising at least one wavelength in a range from about 800 nm to about 1064 nm emanating from an optical fiber.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the energy is coherent. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the laser energy is in the near infrared spectrum and is coherent. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the laser energy is generated by a diode laser operating at 500-1200 mW. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the laser energy comprises a wavelength of 830 nm. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the dye composition is selected from the group consisting of Methylene Blue, Toludine Blue, Congo Red, and Malachite Green. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the optical fiber is contacted with at least a portion of the tissue. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the step of irradiating the periodontal or periimplant tissue is for a therapeutically effective time in a moving pattern. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein a solid coagulum is formed in proximity of the periodontal or periimplant tissue upon irradiating the tissue with laser energy. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 18 , further including the step of mechanically removing the solid coagulum from the tissue by conventional periodontal scalers or ultrasonic scalers. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 17 , further including the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibiotic to the patient having periodontal disease.