Antibacterial activity of chitosan and its combination with other irrigants on Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the in vitro study was to compare the antibacterial efficacy of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX), chitosan and their combinations in vitro. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 extracted single-rooted teeth were selected and used for the study. After the access cavity preparation and working length determination, the apical foramina of the samples were sealed with epoxy resin to prevent bacterial leakage, and the teeth were mounted in stone blocks. Biomechanical preparation was done using crown-down technique up to master apical file size of #50. Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) was used to contaminate the root canals. After incubation, samples were divided into six groups according to the solutions used for irrigation, that is, CHX, NaOCl, chitosan, alternating solution of chitosan and hypochlorite, alternating solution of chitosan and CHX, and saline. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed by obtaining the samples from root canal before and after the irrigation using paper points, culturing them on blood agar plates, and measuring the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) formed. Results: All the statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16. P 0.001). Maximum antibacterial activity was seen when chitosan was used alternatively with CHX and NaOCl. Independently, hypochlorite showed maximum antibacterial activity followed by CHX and chitosan which showed almost similar antibacterial activity. Conclusion: According to this study, there is synergistic antibacterial activity when chitosan is used alternatively with 2% CHX or 5% NaOCl.