Evaluation of the Disinfection Efficacy of Er-YAG Laser Light on Single-Species Candida Biofilms: Systematic Review

The relevance of the current study is to increase the resistance of fungal biofilms to traditional disinfection methods. The aim of the study was to determine how effectively Er:YAG laser light inhibits single-species Candida biofilms. The study involved a systematic review of 57 scientific publicat...

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Main Authors: Diana Dembicka-Mączka, Magdalena Gryka-Deszczyńska, Jacek Sitkiewicz, Aleksander Makara, Jakub Fiegler-Rudol, Rafał Wiench
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Microorganisms
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/4/942
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author Diana Dembicka-Mączka
Magdalena Gryka-Deszczyńska
Jacek Sitkiewicz
Aleksander Makara
Jakub Fiegler-Rudol
Rafał Wiench
author_facet Diana Dembicka-Mączka
Magdalena Gryka-Deszczyńska
Jacek Sitkiewicz
Aleksander Makara
Jakub Fiegler-Rudol
Rafał Wiench
author_sort Diana Dembicka-Mączka
collection DOAJ
description The relevance of the current study is to increase the resistance of fungal biofilms to traditional disinfection methods. The aim of the study was to determine how effectively Er:YAG laser light inhibits single-species Candida biofilms. The study involved a systematic review of 57 scientific publications (2015–2024) selected according to specific criteria, followed by an assessment of quantitative and qualitative indicators of colony-forming unit reduction. The results show that under optimal parameters (power 1.5–3.9 W and duration 60–90 s), the Er:YAG laser can reduce the number of viable <i>Candida albicans</i> cells by an average of 70–90%, and when combined with sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidine solutions, this figure can exceed 90%. Separate in vitro tests show that <i>Candida glabrata</i> and <i>Candida tropicalis</i> require higher power or longer exposure to achieve a similar effect, while the use of the Er:YAG laser on titanium and dental surfaces minimizes damage to the substrate and effectively removes the biofilm matrix. In addition, laser treatment accelerates tissue regeneration and helps reduce the number of cases of reinfection, which is confirmed by the positive dynamics in clinical practice. Data analysis using confocal microscopy and microbiological seeding indicates a significant disruption of the biofilm structure and increased permeability to antimycotics after laser exposure. Er:YAG laser disinfection method is promising in counteracting fungal biofilms, especially for surfaces with a high risk of microbial colonization. The practical value lies in the possibility of developing standard protocols for the clinical use of the laser, which will increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of Candidal lesions.
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spelling doaj-art-3dfc145ef0d14c9a883ed8df13efd0e12025-08-20T02:18:10ZengMDPI AGMicroorganisms2076-26072025-04-0113494210.3390/microorganisms13040942Evaluation of the Disinfection Efficacy of Er-YAG Laser Light on Single-Species Candida Biofilms: Systematic ReviewDiana Dembicka-Mączka0Magdalena Gryka-Deszczyńska1Jacek Sitkiewicz2Aleksander Makara3Jakub Fiegler-Rudol4Rafał Wiench5Dental Office—Artistic Smile Studio, 61/1 Krakowska Street, 33-100 Tarnów, PolandDentalove Clinic Ltd., 19 Borzymowska Street, 03-565 Warsaw, PolandGoodLight Clinic, Victoria Bridge Road, Bath BA2 3GG, UKLuxmed Dentistry, 20a Rejtana Street, 35-310 Rzeszów, PolandDepartment of Periodontal and Oral Mucosa Diseases, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, PolandDepartment of Periodontal and Oral Mucosa Diseases, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, PolandThe relevance of the current study is to increase the resistance of fungal biofilms to traditional disinfection methods. The aim of the study was to determine how effectively Er:YAG laser light inhibits single-species Candida biofilms. The study involved a systematic review of 57 scientific publications (2015–2024) selected according to specific criteria, followed by an assessment of quantitative and qualitative indicators of colony-forming unit reduction. The results show that under optimal parameters (power 1.5–3.9 W and duration 60–90 s), the Er:YAG laser can reduce the number of viable <i>Candida albicans</i> cells by an average of 70–90%, and when combined with sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidine solutions, this figure can exceed 90%. Separate in vitro tests show that <i>Candida glabrata</i> and <i>Candida tropicalis</i> require higher power or longer exposure to achieve a similar effect, while the use of the Er:YAG laser on titanium and dental surfaces minimizes damage to the substrate and effectively removes the biofilm matrix. In addition, laser treatment accelerates tissue regeneration and helps reduce the number of cases of reinfection, which is confirmed by the positive dynamics in clinical practice. Data analysis using confocal microscopy and microbiological seeding indicates a significant disruption of the biofilm structure and increased permeability to antimycotics after laser exposure. Er:YAG laser disinfection method is promising in counteracting fungal biofilms, especially for surfaces with a high risk of microbial colonization. The practical value lies in the possibility of developing standard protocols for the clinical use of the laser, which will increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of Candidal lesions.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/4/942resistancechronic atrophic stomatitisphotothermal effectoptimal parametershyperplastic lesions
spellingShingle Diana Dembicka-Mączka
Magdalena Gryka-Deszczyńska
Jacek Sitkiewicz
Aleksander Makara
Jakub Fiegler-Rudol
Rafał Wiench
Evaluation of the Disinfection Efficacy of Er-YAG Laser Light on Single-Species Candida Biofilms: Systematic Review
Microorganisms
resistance
chronic atrophic stomatitis
photothermal effect
optimal parameters
hyperplastic lesions
title Evaluation of the Disinfection Efficacy of Er-YAG Laser Light on Single-Species Candida Biofilms: Systematic Review
title_full Evaluation of the Disinfection Efficacy of Er-YAG Laser Light on Single-Species Candida Biofilms: Systematic Review
title_fullStr Evaluation of the Disinfection Efficacy of Er-YAG Laser Light on Single-Species Candida Biofilms: Systematic Review
title_full_unstemmed Evaluation of the Disinfection Efficacy of Er-YAG Laser Light on Single-Species Candida Biofilms: Systematic Review
title_short Evaluation of the Disinfection Efficacy of Er-YAG Laser Light on Single-Species Candida Biofilms: Systematic Review
title_sort evaluation of the disinfection efficacy of er yag laser light on single species candida biofilms systematic review
topic resistance
chronic atrophic stomatitis
photothermal effect
optimal parameters
hyperplastic lesions
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/4/942
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