Potential apply of hydrogel-carried chlorhexidine and metronidazole in root canal disinfection

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Endodontics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Persistent microorganisms in the root canal system can compromise root canal therapy (RCT) outcomes.
• Effective intracanal medicaments are crucial for complete root canal disinfection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate metronidazole (MTR)- and chlorhexidine (CHX)-loaded hydrogels as potential intracanal medicaments for root canal disinfection.
• To assess the antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility of these novel hydrogel formulations.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized ultraviolet cross-linked hydrogels (gGels) using GelMA and a photoinitiator.
• Loaded hydrogels with MTR (MTR@gGels) and CHX (CHX@gGels).
• Characterized hydrogels using scanning electron microscopy, assessed antimicrobial activity against key oral bacteria (E. faecalis, S. mutans, P. intermedia), and evaluated biocompatibility with human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) using CCK-8 assays.

Main Results:

• In vitro studies demonstrated significant reduction in the viability of E. faecalis, S. mutans, and P. intermedia when treated with MTR@gGels and CHX@gGels.
• CCK-8 assays indicated good biocompatibility of the hydrogels with hDPSCs.
• In vivo experiments confirmed successful filling and clearance of the hydrogels within root canals.

Conclusions:

• MTR- and CHX-loaded hydrogels exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against common root canal pathogens.
• These drug-eluting hydrogels demonstrate favorable biocompatibility with dental pulp stem cells.
• The developed hydrogels represent a promising candidate for intracanal medicaments in endodontic disinfection.