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Dodecylmethylaminoethyl methacrylate inhibits Enterococcus faecalis in a pH-dependent manner

Tiantian Shan1, Yiling Li1, Biao Ren2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.

Dental Materials : Official Publication of the Academy of Dental Materials
|August 1, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

pH-responsive DMAEM monomers and their copolymers with root canal sealers effectively inhibit Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) growth and biofilm formation. These materials show promise for dental applications, maintaining low cytotoxicity in neutral conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Microbiology
  • Endodontics

Background:

  • Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) thrives in acidic environments within root canals.
  • Developing effective strategies to combat E. faecalis in root canal sealers is crucial for endodontic treatment success.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of pH-responsive 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEM) monomers and their copolymers with resin-based root canal sealers to inhibit E. faecalis.
  • To evaluate the impact of DMAEM incorporation on the physicochemical and biological properties of root canal sealers.

Main Methods:

  • Antibacterial activity of DMAEM monomers was assessed using broth microdilution, crystal violet staining, and qPCR at varying pH levels.
  • Resin-based root canal sealers were copolymerized with DMAEM, and their flow, solubility, water sorption, sealing ability, and cytotoxicity were evaluated.
  • The efficacy of DMAEM-copolymerized sealers against E. faecalis was determined through direct contact tests, colony-forming unit counts, and live/dead staining.

Main Results:

  • DMAEM monomers demonstrated concentration- and pH-dependent inhibition of E. faecalis growth, biofilm formation, and virulence.
  • Incorporating 1.25% and 2.5% DMAEM into sealers did not compromise flowability, solubility, or apical sealing but increased water sorption.
  • DMAEM copolymers significantly reduced E. faecalis counts and inhibited biofilm formation in a pH-responsive manner, with high cell viability (>90%) at neutral pH.

Conclusions:

  • DMAEM monomers and their copolymers exhibit significant antibacterial and antibiofilm effects against E. faecalis, particularly in response to pH changes.
  • DMAEM-modified root canal sealers offer a promising approach to inhibit intraradicular E. faecalis in its acidic niche while maintaining biosafety in periapical tissues.
Keywords:
Anti-bacterial materialDodecylmethylaminoethyl methacrylateEnterococcus faecalisPeriapical periodontitis

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