erythrosine

Erythrosine is a synthetic cherry-pink organoiodine compound primarily utilized as a food colorant (FD&C Red No. 3) and a biological stain. In clinical dentistry, it is widely employed as a diagnostic disclosing agent to visualize dental biofilm (plaque). Beyond its use as a dye, erythrosine acts as a potent photosensitizer in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). When activated by specific wavelengths of light (typically 430-550 nm), it undergoes intersystem crossing to a triplet state, transferring energy to molecular oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), predominantly singlet oxygen. This oxidative process induces membrane disruption and cell death in bacteria and fungi, making it effective for treating periodontitis, root canal infections, and oral candidiasis. Additionally, research indicates it can act as an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes.

Brand names

Erythrosine B

Other names

Red No. 3Acid Red 51TetraiodofluoresceinErythrosin