RESUMEN
AIM: Bacteria levels of necrotic teeth are greatly reduced after endodontic treatment procedures but the presence of persisting microorganisms leads to continuous efforts to develop materials with antimicrobial properties. The purpose of the study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of polyethylenimine (PEI) against common bacteria and yeasts, regarding planktonic cells and biofilm, and to clarify its antimicrobial mechanism of action through flow cytometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antibiofilm and antimicrobial effect of PEI was determined against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans strains using reference protocols. The effect of PEI was evaluated regarding adhesion, biofilm formation and biofilm disaggregation. In order to understand PEI cellular effects flow cytometric analysis was performed with different fluorescent markers. RESULTS: It was verified that minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values and minimal lethal concentrations (MLC) obtained for PEI were similar and ranged between 50 and 400 mg/l, proving the microbicidal and fungicidal activity of this compound. Antibiofilm activity was also proved for all the microorganisms. Severe lesion of the membrane and cell depolarization was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Polyethylenimine showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against microorganisms often associated with apical periodontitis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Theoretically, prolonging the antibacterial effects of materials used in endodontics may be interesting to help prevent reinfection and possibly to affect residual bacteria that survived the treatment procedures.
Asunto(s)
Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Biopelículas/efectos de los fármacos , Polietileneimina/farmacología , Candida albicans/efectos de los fármacos , Endodoncia/métodos , Enterococcus faecalis/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Staphylococcus aureus/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: In this work, an alumina scaffold was produced through a new method to be used in a near future as a bone substitute. METHODS: In vitro and in vivo studies were performed in order to characterize the mechanical and biological properties of the scaffold. RESULTS: The results obtained showed that this scaffold has high mechanical resistance and a porous surface that allows human osteoblast cells to adhere and proliferate. The in vivo studies revealed no systemic reaction. CONCLUSIONS: The alumina scaffold produced herein has the mechanical and biological properties that are compatible with its application in bone therapy.