Biofilm Formation within the Interface of Bovine Root Dentin Treated with Conjugated Chitosan and Sealer Containing Chitosan Nanoparticles

This study assessed biofilm formation within sealer-dentin interfaces of root segments filled with gutta-percha and zinc oxide sealer incorporated with chitosan nanoparticles, without and with canal surface treatments. Bovine root segments were filled using Pulp Canal Sealer incorporating chitosan nanoparticles (CS), or after surface treatment with phosphorylated CS (PHCS), chitosan-conjugated Rose Bengal (CSRB) and a combination of both (RBPH). The control group used unmodified sealer. Specimens were aged 1- or 4-weeks. Enterococcus faecalis biofilms were grown on specimens for 7days and assessed with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the 4-week aged specimens only, the mean biofilm areas were lower than the control for CS, PHCS and RBPH. Percentage of biofilm-covered interface was lower than the control for CS and PHCS. CS, PHCS and RBPH did not differ. Incorporating chitosan nanoparticles into sealer affected inhibition of biofilm formation within the sealer-dentin interface. This was maintained with PHCS, but moderated by CSRB.MAS