Rapid kill-novel endodontic sealer and Enterococcus faecalis

PLoS One. 2013 Nov 6;8(11):e78586. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078586. eCollection 2013.

Abstract

With growing concern over bacterial resistance, the identification of new antimicrobial means is paramount. In the oral cavity microorganisms are essential to the development of periradicular diseases and are the major causative factors associated with endodontic treatment failure. As quaternary ammonium compounds have the ability to kill a wide array of bacteria through electrostatic interactions with multiple anionic targets on the bacterial surface, it is likely that they can overcome bacterial resistance. Melding these ideas, we investigated the potency of a novel endodontic sealer in limiting Enterococcus faecalis growth. We used a polyethyleneimine scaffold to synthesize nano-sized particles, optimized for incorporation into an epoxy-based endodontic sealer. The novel endodontic sealer was tested for its antimicrobial efficacy and evaluated for biocompatibility and physical eligibility. Our results show that the novel sealer foundation affixes the nanoparticles, achieving surface bactericidal properties, but at the same time impeding nanoparticle penetration into eukaryotic cells and thereby mitigating a possible toxic effect. Moreover, adequate physical properties are maintained. The nanosized quaternary amine particles interact within minutes with bacteria, triggering cell death across wide pH values. Throughout this study we demonstrate a new antibacterial perspective for endodontic sealers; a novel antibacterial, effective and safe antimicrobial means.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Dental Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Dental Materials / pharmacology*
  • Endodontics
  • Enterococcus faecalis / drug effects*
  • Enterococcus faecalis / growth & development
  • Epoxy Resins / chemistry
  • Epoxy Resins / pharmacology*
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Mice
  • Microbial Viability / drug effects
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Polyethyleneimine / chemistry*
  • Pulpitis / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dental Materials
  • Epoxy Resins
  • Polyethyleneimine

Grants and funding

The endodontic sealer material that was used in this research was supplied by B.J.M. Laboratories Ltd. B.J.M. had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.