A novel antibacterial resin-based root canal sealer modified by Dimethylaminododecyl Methacrylate

Persistent apical periodontitis, mainly caused by microorganisms infections, represents a critical challenge for endodontists. Dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) is a well-studied and potent antibacterial agent used in various studies described in the literature. The aim of this study is to develop a novel antibacterial root canal sealer by incorporating DMADDM into EndoREZ and investigate the properties of the resulting material. Different mass fractions (0, 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5%) of DMADDM were incorporated into EndoREZ and the cytotoxicity, apical sealing ability and solubility of the resulting material were evaluated. Furthermore, a direct contact test, determination of colony-forming units, a crystal violet assay, scanning electronic microscopy and live/dead bacteria staining were performed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the sealer to multispecies bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus gordonii, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Lactobacillus acidophilus), in planktonic cells or biofilms. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were carried out to assess the composition of the multispecies biofilms. No difference on the cytotoxicity, apical sealing ability and solubility between sealers containing DMADDM (1.25%, 2.5%) and EndoREZ (0%) could be determined. However, when the mass fraction of DMADDM increased to 5%, significantly different properties were found compared to the 0% (p < 0.05) group. Moreover, incorporating DMADDM into the sealer could greatly improve the antibacterial properties of EndoREZ. In addition, the composition ratio of E. faecalis could be decreased in multispecies microecology in sealers containing DMADDM. Therefore, a EndoREZ sealer material containing DMADDM could be considered useful in clinical applications for preventing and treating persistent apical periodontitis.