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Updated: Sep 9, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring Photodynamic Therapy with Curcumin in a Murine Model for Oral Candidiasis
Published on: October 27, 2023
Nanocurcumin mediated photodynamic therapy as a novel approach for root canal disinfection: ex-vivo study
Nayrouz B Soliman1, Sally A Sabra2, Shahinda Rezk3
1Biomaterials Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Kafr Elsheikh University, Egypt and Master degree candidate of endodontics, Conservative dentistry department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
Background:
Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been recommended to enhance root canal disinfection. Naturally derived photosensitizers have been suggested to enhance the effectiveness of aPDT.
Aim:
To evaluate the in vitro characteristics, antibacterial activity and tubular penetration depth of nanocurcumin used as a photosensitizer for endodontic disinfection.
Materials And Methods:
Nanocurcumin was prepared using sol-oil technique and characterized using ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry, zeta potential measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The antibacterial activity was assessed using well diffusion test and the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. Single-rooted teeth were divided into 3 equal groups (n=6); group I (nanocurcumin modified aPDT), group II (curcumin modified aPDT) and group III (methylene blue conventional aPDT). Teeth were prepared and sectioned at 4, 8 and 12 mm from the root apices and examined under confocal laser scanning microscope to evaluate the tubular penetration percentage. Data were collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed using suitable tests.
Results:
A pure form of nanocurcumin was prepared and characterized. There was no significant difference between nanocurcumin and curcumin neither in their antibacterial effect on Enterococcus faecalis (p=0.298) nor in their tubular penetration (p=0.662). Both nanocurcumin and curcumin showed significantly enhanced penetration when compared to methylene blue (p≤0.001).
Conclusion:
Both nanocurcumin and curcumin, caused significantly higher tubular penetration compared with methylene blue, with no significant difference between them regarding antibacterial activity and penetration depth. Thus nanocurcumin could replace curcumin as a photosensitizer for its enhanced solubility and elimination of dimethyl sulfoxide as a solvent.
Clinical Significance:
Nanocurcumin can offer an effective environment-friendly photosensitizer for enhancing antibacterial photodynamic therapy for management of endodontic infections.
