Root Canal Disinfection Using Highly Effective Aggregation-Induced Emission Photosensitizer

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Therapeutics
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Root canal (RC) therapy is crucial for treating dental-pulp and periapical diseases.
• Current mechanical and chemical irrigation methods in RC therapy have limitations.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise for RC debridement, but traditional photosensitizers lack efficiency and potency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizer, DPA-SCP, for enhanced antimicrobial applications in infected root canals.
• To evaluate the efficacy of DPA-SCP-mediated PDT against Enterococcus faecalis suspensions and biofilms.
• To assess the safety and impact of DPA-SCP-mediated PDT on dentin surfaces.

Main Methods:

• An AIE photosensitizer, DPA-SCP, was synthesized and characterized for its singlet oxygen generation.
• Antimicrobial activity was tested against Enterococcus faecalis suspensions.
• A human root canal model was used to evaluate DPA-SCP's efficacy against established 21-day bacterial biofilms.

Main Results:

• DPA-SCP demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis suspensions.
• PDT mediated by DPA-SCP effectively eradicated 21-day Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in human root canals.
• The efficacy of DPA-SCP-mediated PDT was comparable to 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and showed no adverse effects on dentin surface integrity, chemical corrosion, or cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• DPA-SCP is a highly efficient AIE photosensitizer with potent antibacterial capabilities for root canal disinfection.
• DPA-SCP-mediated PDT offers a safe and effective alternative to conventional irrigation methods for eliminating root canal infections.
• This novel approach holds significant potential for improving the outcomes of root canal therapy.