Optimizing the photodynamic inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus using barberry plant extract and low power laser

Abstract

The rise of drug-resistant infections poses a significant threat to global health, necessitating the
exploration of alternative treatment approaches. Staphylococcus aureus is a prominent pathogen
responsible for a range of infections, including nosocomial infections. Photodynamic inactivation
(PDI) has emerged as a promising technique for controlling drug-resistant microorganisms. This
study investigates the use of photosensitizers derived from Iranian seedless barberry (Zereshk)
in PDI to effectively target and eliminate drug-resistant S. aureus. Barberry is known for its
rich alkaloid content, particularly berberine, which exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
properties. The results provide insights into the inhibitory effects of barberry extract on the growth
of S. aureus, as well as the synergistic effect of combining the extract with laser radiation. The
findings highlight the potential of barberry-derived photosensitizers as a promising approach
for combating drug-resistant S. aureus infections, offering a new avenue for effective treatment
strategies.