The antibacterial activity and release of quaternary ammonium compounds in an orthodontic primer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 10 wt% benzalkonium chloride (TB-BAC) or 10 wt% cetylpyridinium chloride (TB-CPC) on the antimicrobial properties of the orthodontic adhesive primer, Transbond XTT (TB). Antimicrobial activity was assessed using a zone of inhibition diffusion test and the release of the antimicrobial compounds was monitored by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Shear bond strength (SBS) was tested using bovine enamel. Control, TB, specimens failed to demonstrate intrinsic antibacterial activity at 1, 7 and 14 days; whereas, TB-BAC and TB-CPC showed antibacterial effects at all times. HPLC analysis indicated no significant differences in the release behaviour of TB-BAC and TB-CPC (t-test, p > 0.05), except for the 7-day release which was higher for TB-BAC (p < 0.05). By 14 days the extents of release were 27 ± 2% and 25 ± 5% of the total initial loading for TB-BAC and TB-CPC, respectively. The incorporation of 10 wt% BAC or CPC in Transbond XTT adhesive primer also resulted in superior shear bond strength at 7 and 14 days (Fisher s LSD, p < 0.05) with no significant change in the mode ofbracket failure under shear stress (Pearson's chi-squared, p > 0.05).