5-Aminolevulinic acid photoactivated over planktonic and biofilm forms of Enterococcus faecalis as a pharmacological therapy alternative

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) generated by the exogenous administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid or δ-ALA and activated with an argon laser over a planktonic and biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) as a pharmacological therapy alternative. A planktonic strain of E. faecalis was cultured with a solution of ∂-ALA (40 µg/mL)-thioglycolate solution for 13 min, and a biofilm of E. faecalis was cultured in a δ-ALA (80 µg/mL)-thioglycolate solution for 13 min. Then, both were irradiated with an argon laser. Finally, the antibacterial effect was evaluated by counting the CFU in planktonic form, and a LIVE/DEAD viability cell test. The production and accumulation of PpIX from exogenously administered δ-ALA on E. faecalis in planktonic and biofilm forms was confirmed by spectrofluorometry. The irradiation of PpIX with an argon laser produced an antibacterial effect on E. faecalis in planktonic and biofilm form, even without biofilm disruption, at a concentration of 40 µg/mL and 80 µg/mL of δ-ALA, respectively. The exogenous administration of δ-ALA in combination with laser irradiation on planktonic and biofilm forms of E. faecalis produces an effective antibacterial effect as complement or alternative to pharmacological therapies

Chemical treatment of the intra-canal dentin surface: a new approach to modify dentin hydrophobicity

Objective This study evaluated the hydrophobicity of dentin surfaces that were modified through chemical silanization with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS). Material and Methods An in vitro experimental study was performed using 40 human permanent incisors that were divided into the following two groups: non-silanized and silanized. The specimens were pretreated and chemically modified with OTS. After the chemical modification, the dentin hydrophobicity was examined using a water contact angle measurement (WCA). The effectiveness of the modification of hydrophobicity was verified by the fluid permeability test (FPT). Results and Conclusions Statistically significant differences were found in the values of WCA and FPT between the two groups. After silanization, the hydrophobic intraradicular dentin surface exhibited in vitro properties that limit fluid penetration into the sealed root canal. This chemical treatment is a new approach for improving the sealing of the root canal system

Continuous Drip Flow System to Develop Biofilm of E. faecalis

Purpose. To evaluate a structurally mature E. faecalis biofilm developed under anaerobic/dynamic conditions in an in vitro system. Methods. An experimental device was developed using a continuous drip flow system designed to develop biofilm under anaerobic conditions. The inoculum was replaced every 24 hours with a fresh growth medium for up to 10 days to feed the system. Gram staining was done every 24 hours to control the microorganism purity. Biofilms developed under the system were evaluated under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results. SEM micrographs demonstrated mushroom-shaped structures, corresponding to a mature E. faecalis biofilm. In the mature biofilm bacterial cells are totally encased in a polymeric extracellular matrix. Conclusions. The proposed in vitro system model provides an additional useful tool to study the biofilm concept in endodontic microbiology, allowing for a better understanding of persistent root canal infections