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Antimicrobial efficacy of medium chain fatty acids as root canal irrigants: An in vitro study
Krishnapriya Devan1, Faizal C Peedikayil1, T P Chandru1
1Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Kannur Dental College, Kannur, Kerala, India.
Background:
Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans are the microbes that are most resistant to elimination by disinfecting agents and are the causative agents for reinfection of the root canal treated teeth. Medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are the main components of coconut oil, are proven antimicrobial agents. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate their antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis and C. albicans.
Methodology:
Ninety extracted single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were decoronated, biomechanically prepared, autoclaved, and divided into three groups (n = 30): Group A (inoculated with E. faecalis), Group B (inoculated with C. albicans), and Group C (control group). Each group was again subdivided into three groups (n = 10) and irrigated with lauric acid (LA), decanoic acid (DA), and octanoic acid, respectively, for 5 min. Paper point samples were taken from canal walls and transferred into Brain Heart Infusion broth and potato dextrose broth and placed in an incubator at 37°C. The appearance of tubidity was checked at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h using direct contact test. The data were then statistically analyzed using the analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc tests.
Results:
Among the three MCFAs, LA showed the maximum inhibitory against E. faecalis at 24 h and the inhibitory activity decreased considerably at 48, 72, and 96 h. DA was the most effective against C. albicans with a maximum inhibition at 48 h. DA also showed significant substantivity at 72 and 96 h.
Conclusion:
Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that MCFAs show promising antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis and C. albicans.
Insights
Medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) show antimicrobial potential against resistant root canal microbes. Lauric acid was most effective against Enterococcus faecalis, while decanoic acid showed efficacy against Candida albicans.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Endodontics
- Natural Products
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans are key pathogens in persistent root canal infections.
- These microbes exhibit high resistance to conventional disinfectants.
- Medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), found in coconut oil, possess known antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of specific MCFAs against E. faecalis and C. albicans.
- To determine the effectiveness of lauric acid, decanoic acid, and octanoic acid in eliminating these root canal pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Extracted single-rooted premolars were prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis or C. albicans.
- Teeth were irrigated with lauric acid, decanoic acid, or octanoic acid.
- Microbial presence was assessed using paper point samples and incubation, with turbidity indicating growth.
Main Results:
- Lauric acid demonstrated maximum inhibition against E. faecalis within 24 hours.
- Decanoic acid was most effective against C. albicans, with peak inhibition at 48 hours and sustained activity up to 96 hours.
- All tested MCFAs exhibited some level of antimicrobial activity.
Conclusions:
- MCFAs exhibit promising antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis and C. albicans.
- Specific MCFAs like decanoic acid may offer sustained antimicrobial effects in root canal disinfection.
- Further research is warranted to explore MCFAs as adjuncts in endodontic treatments.
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