Theralase light-activated PDCs destroy E. coli
Advanced research planned for commercial sterilisation programme
Theralase Technologies, a Canadian manufacturer of superpulsed laser technology used in biodestruction applications, is using its patented light-sensitive Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) to destroy E. coli bacteria.
The Ontario-based firm claims the PDCs have shown an ability to destroy bacteria when light activated, in new research performed under the direction of chief scientific officer, Arkady Mandel.
Future applications of this newly discovered use of PDC technology could include sterilisation of food processing equipment, hospital treatment rooms and medical equipment, Theralase said.
“Our research has repeatedly demonstrated that our Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) destruction of E. coli bacteria is effective and represents a significant opportunity in the area of disinfection and sterilisation of bacterial pathogens that may cause serious and potentially life-threatening illness,” said Mandel.
“We are encouraged that our patented Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) are proving effective in so many varied applications,” added Roger Dumoulin-White, president and ceo of Theralase.
“Not only are these PDCs being shown to be effective in the destruction of cancer cells, but now they are also being shown to be effective in the destruction of various types of bacteria, including Listeria and E. coli. Commercialisation of these technologies becomes more and more apparent, as our research and development progresses, allowing us the opportunity to introduce these technologies to the world in a variety of diverse applications.”
The firm said it now plans to work with a variety of organisations on the commercialisation of the product.
