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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Antimicrobial Characterization of Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Applications
Published on: August 4, 2018
MTA preparations from different origins may vary in their antimicrobial activity
Khalid Al-Hezaimi1, Thakib A Al-Shalan, Jafar Naghshbandi
1King Saud University, College of Dentistry, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. alhezaim@usc.edu
Objective:
The antimicrobial effects of 4 mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) preparations, 2 white-colored (WMTA-1, WMTA-2) and 2 gray-colored (GMTA-1, GMTA-2), against C. albicans and E. faecalis were assessed in vitro.
Methodology:
Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each preparation was determined using the tube dilution test and Sabouraud agar media for C. albicans and brain heart infusion media for E. faecalis. Broth tubes were prepared and divided into experimental and control groups. Aliquots of each of the tested microorganisms were taken from a stock culture and added to each experimental and positive control group. All groups were incubated at 37 degrees C and evaluated for turbidity at 24-, 48-, and 72-hour time periods. Samples of 0.1 mL from each of the experimental and control tubes were subcultured on agar or brain heart infusion plates to confirm visible signs of bacterial or fungal growth.
Results:
MIC of MTA against the 2 microorganisms tested varied among the 4 preparations tested. WMTA-1 and WMTA-2 inhibited C. albicans growth at concentrations of 3.125 mg/10 mL and 25 mg/10 mL, respectively, and statistically significant differences were found between WMTA-1 and WMTA-2 (P < .001). WMTA-1 and WMTA-2 inhibited E. faecalis growth at concentrations of 12.5 mg/10 mL and 50 mg/10 mL, respectively, and statistically significant differences were found between WMTA-1 and WMTA-2 (P < .001). GMTA-1 and GMTA-2 inhibited E. faecalis growth at concentrations of 12.5 mg/10 mL and 3.125 mg/10 mL, respectively, and statistically significant differences were found between GMTA-1 and GMTA-2 (P < .001). Both GMTA-1 and GMTA-2 inhibited C. albicans growth at a concentration of 3.125 mg/10 mL and no statistical differences were found between the preparations. Subculture of the broth tubes in agar or brain heart infusion plates confirmed the turbidity test result.
Conclusion:
The origin of MTA as well as the type of preparation may affect its antimicrobial characteristics. Clinicians should be aware of variations that may exist among such MTA preparations.
Insights
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) preparations show varying antimicrobial effects against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis. Different MTA types and origins influence their efficacy, requiring clinical awareness of these variations.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials engineering
Background:
- Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is widely used in dentistry.
- Its antimicrobial properties are crucial for treatment success.
- Variations in MTA formulations may impact clinical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of four different MTA preparations.
- To compare the efficacy of white MTA (WMTA) and gray MTA (GMTA) against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis.
Main Methods:
- Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination using tube dilution tests.
- Culturing with specific media for Candida albicans (Sabouraud agar) and Enterococcus faecalis (brain heart infusion).
- Incubation at 37°C with turbidity and subculture assessments at 24, 48, and 72 hours.
Main Results:
- Antimicrobial efficacy varied significantly among the four MTA preparations tested.
- WMTA-1 demonstrated stronger inhibition against both C. albicans and E. faecalis compared to WMTA-2.
- GMTA-2 showed greater inhibition against E. faecalis than GMTA-1, while both GMTA preparations were equally effective against C. albicans.
Conclusions:
- The composition and origin of MTA significantly influence its antimicrobial characteristics.
- Clinicians must be cognizant of the variability in antimicrobial properties among different MTA products.
- Further research into MTA formulation and its impact on microbial inhibition is warranted.
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