Evaluation and Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of New Irrigant Chitosan Citrate on Enterococcus Faecalis and its Potency to Remove Smear Layer: An Invitro Study

Dr. Philu Achaam Philip | Dr. Savitha Sathyaprasad ^[5] | Dr. Vijaynath S | Dr. Dhiraj Krishna | Phibi Philip Naduvathu

Abstract: Aim: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of new irrigant Chitosan citrate on Enterococcus Feacalis and its potency to remove smear layer. Methods: The study was conducted in two parts. Part one is the assessment of antibacterial efficacy of five irrigants against E. faecalis. E. faecalis (29212) was incubated in brain-heart infusion broth. Sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, EDTA, 10% citric acid (pH3.5), Chitosan-citrate solution was then added to the bacterial inoculum for 5, 15, 30, and 60 min. Survival rates of E. faecalis were analysed as number of colonies formed at each time interval. Part two is the assessment of efficacy of chitosan citrate and 10% citric acid in smear layer removal. Thirteen extracted teeth were used for this experiment. The middle third of the root was cut longitudinally, and all specimens were immersed in both solutions for five minutes. All specimens were examined under scanning electron microscopy. The number of open dentin tubules was determined for evaluation of smear layer removal. Mann Whitney and chi square tests were used for analysis of open dentin tubules. Results: The antibacterial effect of chitosan-citrate solution was achieved at 30 min and 60 minute. Chitosan-citrate solution removed significantly more of the smear layer than 10% citric acid (P<0.05). Conclusion: Chitosan-citrate solution showed antibacterial activity at 30 minutes and 60 minutes which shows it could be used as an intracanal medicament in primary tooth pulpectomy. Effectiveness of a chitosan-citrate solution to remove the smear layer in root canal treatment is satisfied and is superior to 10% citric acid . The chitosan-citrate solution might be the promising endodontic irrigation solution in future.

Keywords: Enterococcus faecalis, Chitosan citrate, 10% citric acid, Sodium hypochlorite, EDTA, Chlorhexidine digluconate, Smear layer

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 10, October 2023,

Pages: 851 - 858