Antibacterial activity of endodontic sealer modified with nanoparticles

Abstract

Purpose/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a commercial endodontic sealer modified with montmorillonite nanoparticles carrying to different drugs: clorhexidine (CHX) and metronidazole (MET).

Materials and methods: The sealer used was AH Plus sealer, and 5% in weight was added of the nanoparticles carrying one of the drugs CHX or MET. Cylindrical specimens were made with 5 mm diameter and 1 mm thick (n = 5). The antibacterial activity was evaluated by the inhibition halo test. This method was conducted according to Clinical Standard Laboratory Institute M2-A8 protocol, with some modifications (CLSI, 2003). The bacteria selected were the E. Fecallis which is the most frequently bacteria found in recidivate apical infection. Discs specimens were positioned over the agar and plates were incubated in the appropriate conditions for 48 h. After this period, inhibition zones were measured using a calliper rule. A group with no modification by the nanoparticle was added as a control. The data was analyzed using Mann–Whitney (alpha = 5%).

Results: Results are presented in Table 1. For the control group no inhibition zone was formed, so the statistical analyze was performed only between the experimental groups.

Table 1. Means (SD) for inhibition halo (mm). No statistical difference was presented between the drugs.

Drug Inhibition halo (mm) Control 0 CHX 4.8 (1.4) A MET 4.0 (1.6) A Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study it can be concluded that the addition of the nanoparticle carrying both drugs added an antibacterial activity that was not found in the commercial sealer.