A Critical Review on Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation Using Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Abstract

The light-emitting diode (LED) is an advanced technology with a wide range of applications in our day-to-day life. It has numerous advantages over conventional light, such as controlling the spectrum of light, the specificity of the wavelength, cool emitting surface, and cost-effectiveness. The novel technologies and developments have proved the efficacy of LEDs in eliminating microbes rather than being an effective lighting source. The LED employs Photodynamic Inactivation to eliminate micro-organisms with the help of various photo-sensitizers. Photodynamic inactivation is a non-chemical based technique that helps fight against the microbes without developing the resistant microbial strains. The illumination of LED at a specific narrow wavelength exhibits antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microbes, including resistant strains. Getting rid of harmful micro-organisms is one of the effective ways to reduce health risks and promote quality of life. Hence, the LEDs with specific narrow wavelengths can be employed to sterilize the medical equipment, healthcare environment, and food preservation without using chemicals. The Photodynamic Inactivation using LED as a light source will be a promising source for eradicating harmful micro-organisms, including nosocomial and foodborne pathogens.