Topical application of porphyrins for killing or preventing the growth of bacteria or fungi on a mammal
Described herein are methods and compositions for killing or preventing the growth of microbes. It has been discovered that a class of porphyrins can kill or prevent the growth of microbes. The porphyrins can be used in a number of different applications where microbes grow.
1. A method for killing or preventing the growth of a bacterium or a fungus on a mammal, the method comprising topically applying to the mammal a topical composition comprising a pharmaceutical carrier and a porphyrin of the formula I
wherein R 1 is a C 12 straight chain alkyl group;
R 2 -R 4 are each a methyl group; and
X − is an anion.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein X is a halide, sulfate, acetate, lactate, nitrate, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, or tosylate.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising exposing the porphyrin to light after topically applying the composition to the mammal.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein when the light comprises artificial light, the light has an intensity of at least 5 mW/cm 2 .
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein when the light comprises artificial light, the light has an intensity of 5 mW/cm 2 to 500 mW/cm 2 .
6. The method of claim 3 , wherein the light comprises sunlight.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the porphyrin is exposed to light under aerobic conditions.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical carrier is a powder.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical carrier is an ointment.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical carrier is a cream.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical carrier is a gel.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical carrier is a spray.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method kills or prevents the growth of bacterium.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method kills or prevents the growth of a fungus.