Novel bioactive nanospheres show effective antibacterial effect against multiple endodontic pathogens

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Antimicrobial Agents

Background:

• Endodontic infections often involve persistent pathogens like Enterococcus faecalis.
• Current endodontic sealers may have limitations in long-term antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility.
• Novel materials are needed to improve outcomes in endodontic treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antibacterial activity of novel quaternary ammonium polymethacrylate (QAPM)-containing bioactive glasses (BGs-HAEMB).
• To assess the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of BGs-HAEMB in vitro and in vivo.
• To compare BGs-HAEMB with clinically used endodontic sealers.

Main Methods:

• Antibacterial activity was tested against planktonic and biofilm forms of E. faecalis, Streptococcus sanguis, and Porphyromonas endodontalis using agar diffusion, direct contact, and live/dead staining.
• Cytotoxicity was assessed via CCK-8 assays.
• Biocompatibility was evaluated using a skin implantation model.

Main Results:

• BGs-HAEMB showed superior antibacterial effects against tested pathogens compared to Endofill, AH Plus, and iRoot SP after 14 and 28 days.
• SEM and CLSM confirmed significant microorganism killing by BGs-HAEMB.
• Low cytotoxicity (88.6%–102.9% RGRs) and minimal inflammation (Grade I) were observed in BGs-HAEMB treated groups.

Conclusions:

• BGs-HAEMB provides a stable and long-term antibacterial effect against endodontic pathogens.
• The material demonstrates excellent in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility.
• BGs-HAEMB represents a promising candidate for developing advanced endodontic sealers.