Effect of Various Disinfection Protocols on Endodontic Biofilm and Growth Factors Release from Radicular Dentin: An In Vitro Study

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effect of various disinfection protocols on bacterial
biofilm and subsequent release of growth factors from radicular dentin.
Methods: One hundred and ninety two extracted single rooted premolars were obtained
and contaminated with E.faecalis biofilm for 21 days. The samples were then divided into 3
main groups – Group I: Irrigation (I) only, Group II: Calcium hydroxide (CH) placement followed by final irrigation and Group III: Triple Antibiotic paste (TAP) placement followed by final irrigation. Each group was further then divided into 4 sub-groups according to the final irrigating solution used – Sub group A: Saline, Sub group B: 17% EDTA, Sub group C: 1% phytic acid and Sub group D: 0.2%. chitosan nanoparticles. The samples were subjected to CFU analysis and the amount of TGF-β and VEGF released from the root canals was quantified using ELISA. The data was analyzed and subjected to statistical tests.
Results: Overall the reduction in E.faecalis biofilm was seen maximum in Irrigation only
(Group I) followed by TAP (Group III) and finally CH group (Group II). Concerning the sub groups, maximum reduction was seen with Chitosan nanoparticles, followed by phytic acid, EDTA and finally the saline group. At 24 hours, maximum growth factor release for both TGFβ-1 and VEGF was seen in the chitosan nanoparticles followed by Phytic acid, EDTA and finally the saline subgroup. The results were similar for CH and TAP group.
Conclusion: Newer irrigating solutions like 0.2% chitosan nanoparticles can be used in the
regenerative disinfection protocol as it significantly showed both antibacterial activity and the
ability to remove smear layer for a better growth factor release. (EEJ-2024-03-045)