A Self-Supplying H₂O₂ Modified Nanozyme-Loaded Hydrogel for Root Canal Biofilm Eradication

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Endodontics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Root canal therapy success relies on complete bacterial biofilm elimination.
• Current root canal disinfectants have limitations, necessitating advanced materials.
• Biocompatibility and efficacy of disinfectants are crucial for treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a nanozyme-loaded hydrogel (Fe3O4-CaO2-Hydrogel) as a root canal disinfectant.
• To assess the hydrogel's release profile, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and characterization of Fe3O4-CaO2-Hydrogel.
• In vitro assessment of reactive oxygen species release, biocompatibility, and antibacterial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus sanguinis biofilms.
• In vivo evaluation of biofilm removal and anti-inflammatory effects in rat teeth.

Main Results:

• Fe3O4-CaO2-Hydrogel demonstrated controlled release of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
• The hydrogel exhibited good biocompatibility, disrupted bacterial cell membranes, and inhibited exopolysaccharide production (p < 0.0001).
• In vivo studies showed significant root canal biofilm scavenging and prevention of inflammation (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Fe3O4-CaO2-Hydrogel is a promising, effective, and biocompatible root canal disinfectant material.
• This nanozyme-hydrogel offers potential for clinical root canal disinfection and treating deep-site infections.