Nowhere to run: oligo (p-phenylene vinylene) kills oral intracellular bacteria photodynamically

Abstract Bacterial infections pose a severe threat to human health due the exacerbation of antibiotic resistance and intracellular bacterial infections. Research suggests that oligo(p-phenylene vinylene) (OPV), commonly employed in manufacture organic solar batteries, can help address this issue. This study demonstrates ability OPV target sterilize Porphyromonas gingivalis methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA ) photodynamically. Most notably, specifically targets bacteria without affecting healthy cells under dark conditions. Its chemical composition includes conjugated backbone ionic imidazole side chains, which allow bind cell membranes. Furthermore, dental blue light curing lamps may excite OPV. Compared with antibiotics traditional photosensitizers, proves be potentially superior solution eradicate microbial infections, both fundamental research clinical applications.