Confocal Laser Scanning Electron Microscope Assessment of Different Antibiofilm Strategies

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibiofilm efficacy of nanoherbal medicament, calcium hydroxide, Rose Bengal and sodium hypochlorite on multispecies biofilm in infected dentin section blocks. Methods: A total of one hundred dentin section blocks were used in this study. Dentin section blocks were prepared to be (4×4×1 mm) respectively. Each dentin section was underwent sterilization using autoclave at 121°C for 20 minutes which was confirmed using bacterial count test. Cultivation of standard strains of E. Faecalis ATCC 29212 and Staph. Epidermidis ATCC 12228 were prepared then inoculated on dentin section blocks and incubated for 3 weeks at 37°C to form multispecies biofilm. The specimens were grouped into 5 groups according to final irrigant and medicament: G1: Nano punica granatum (Pomegranates) herbal extract medicament, G2: Calcium hydroxide paste medicament, G3: Rose Bengal dye (RB) irrigation activated with diode laser (Photodynamic therapy), G4: Sodium hypochlorite 5.25% irrigation, and G5: Negative Control group. The effect of tested materials was assessed using Confocal Laser Scanning Electron Microscope (CLSM) and data were statistically analyzed. Results: The highest mean percentage of dead bacteria was found in Pomegranates followed by RB followed by sodium hypochlorite 5.25% then the calcium hydroxide paste group. The least mean percentage of dead bacteria was found in the control group. With a statistically significant difference between groups where p<0.001. Conclusion: Nano punica granatum herbal extract medicament and Rose Bengal dye (RB) irrigation (Photodynamic therapy) could be considered potent antibiofilm strategies for disinfection of the root canal system.