Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Antibiotic-Resistant Surgical Infections

Shuxrat Isakov (PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgical Diseases, Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent)
Khasan Jafarov (PhD, Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery №3, Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent)
Erkin Zakhidov (Professor, Chief Researcher, Laboratory of Condensed Matter Optics, Institute of Ion-Plasma and Laser Technologies, Tashkent)
Mukhibjon Imomov (PhD, Senior Researcher, Laboratory of Condensed Matter Optics, Institute of Ion-Plasma and Laser Technologies, Tashkent)
Berdimuratov Temurbek Aymurzaevich (Assistant Professor at the Department of Surgical Diseases and Transplantology at the Karakalpakstan Medical Institute)
Sadat Bayzhigitova (Intern assistant at the Department of Surgical Diseases and Transplantology, Karkalpakistan State Medical Institute, Nukus, Karakalpakistan)

Academia Open
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): June

General Background: The global rise of antibiotic resistance has become a critical challenge in modern medicine, contributing to increased mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and economic burden. Specific Background: Antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are frequently associated with nosocomial infections in postoperative patients. Knowledge Gap: The declining efficacy of conventional antibacterial drugs necessitates the exploration of alternative antimicrobial strategies. Aims: This study aimed to improve strategies for controlling antibiotic-resistant microorganisms through the application of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using methylene blue. Results: In vitro findings demonstrated that methylene blue and laser irradiation (632 nm) applied independently showed no antimicrobial activity, whereas their combined application produced a pronounced bactericidal effect. The highest inhibition zones were observed for Acinetobacter spp. (up to 40 ± 1.6 mm), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MRSA. Novelty: The study highlights the strong antimicrobial potential of methylene blue–mediated photodynamic therapy against a broad spectrum of resistant microorganisms. Implications: This approach represents a promising alternative method for the treatment and prevention of infectious complications in surgical practice, particularly in the context of increasing antimicrobial resistance. Highlights:• Combined Light and Photosensitizer Application Produces Strong Bactericidal Activity• Highest Microbial Inhibition Observed in Acinetobacter Species Cultures• Broad-Spectrum Action Against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Resistant Pathogens Keywords: Photodynamic Therapy, Antibiotic Resistance, Methylene Blue, Nosocomial Infections, Surgical Infections.