Objective: Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is one of the persistent microorganisms responsible for the failure of root canal treatments. This study investigated the antibacterial property, the time-killing of 3 peptides, namely Tachyplesin, Thanatin, and Enterocin P, on E. faecalis.
Methods: In this study, recombinant peptides were synthesized via secretory synthesis. The peptides were then purified and isolated using affinity chromatography after which their purification was evaluated through SDS-PAGE. The antimicrobial activity of peptides against E. faecalis was tested using the minimum inhibitory concentration test (MIC), the minimum bactericidal concentration test (MBC), and the time-killing assay.
Results: Based on antimicrobial tests, a similar value was observed for the MIC and MBC in the recombinant peptide of Enterocin P. The concentration of MBC was twice as much as that of MIC for Tanatin and Tachyplesin. The time-killing-assay antimicrobial test showed that Enterocin P has a better pattern and antimicrobial activity than the other two peptides; all three peptides have weaker antimicrobial activities than sodium hypochlorite.
Conclusion: Considering the equivalence of MIC and MBC in the recombinant peptide of Enterocin P, it can be a viable replacement for traditional disinfectants and medicaments used in root canal treatment procedures.