toluidine blue O

Toluidine blue O (also known as tolonium chloride) is a phenothiazine dye that serves as a photosensitizer in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). When applied to a target area, such as a periodontal pocket, and irradiated with red light (typically between 630 and 660 nm), the molecule transitions to an excited state. This excitation leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly singlet oxygen, which induces irreversible oxidative damage to microbial cell membranes, walls, and DNA. In the context of research at the University of Sao Paulo, toluidine blue O is being evaluated for its efficacy in treating periodontitis, specifically Class II furcation lesions, where it is used in conjunction with regenerative biomaterials like bovine bone and porcine collagen membranes to enhance clinical outcomes and promote tissue regeneration.

Brand names

TBlue630TBlue-630TBlue 630

Other names

tolonium chlorideBasic Blue 17TBO