Pectin as a Biomaterial in Regenerative Endodontics-Assessing Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Efficacy against...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Endodontics
• Stem Cell Biology

Background:

• Regenerative endodontics (REP) aims to regenerate dental tissues, requiring effective disinfection that preserves dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).
• Current antimicrobials can harm DPSCs, necessitating exploration of biocompatible alternatives for intracanal medicaments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biocompatibility and antimicrobial potential of low methoxyl citrus pectin (LM pectin) as a natural intracanal medicament for regenerative endodontics.
• To assess LM pectin's efficacy against single- and dual-species bacterial biofilms and its impact on DPSC viability and proliferation.

Main Methods:

• Antibacterial activity of LM pectin against E. faecalis and F. nucleatum single-species biofilms was assessed using growth curves.
• Antimicrobial effects on dual-species biofilms were evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
• DPSC biocompatibility with 2% and 4% pectin coatings was assessed via live/dead staining, LDH, and WST-1 assays.

Main Results:

• LM pectin demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect against single-species biofilms of E. faecalis and F. nucleatum.
• Pectin failed to disrupt mature dual-species biofilms.
• 2% w/v LM pectin was biocompatible with DPSCs, while 4% w/v reduced DPSC viability and proliferation.

Conclusions:

• Low concentration (2% w/v) LM pectin exhibits antimicrobial properties against single bacterial species and is biocompatible with DPSCs.
• Pectin holds potential as an injectable hydrogel for clinical applications in regenerative endodontics, particularly for disinfection.
• Further studies are warranted to enhance pectin's efficacy against polymicrobial biofilms in regenerative endodontics.