S. Haripriya, P. Ajitha

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare the antimicrobial activity of Aloe vera nanoparticles to that of calcium hydroxide in persistent endodontic infections. Microorganisms that cause persistent apical periodontitis usually exhibit a high level of resistant to disinfection and are able to survive against harsh conditions of root canal system and organize a mature biofilm. Therefore, these microrganisms are not easily eliminated from the root canal by common irrigation solutions or intracanal medicaments. It may be stated that efforts to eliminate these bacteria may equate with achieving successful disinfection. The study consists of four groups of intracanal medicament, Group A - calcium hydroxide (positive control), Group B - sterile water (negative control), Group C - A. vera, and Group D - silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) of A. vera which was tested against Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans that were common in persistent endodontic infections. Strains of these microorganisms were isolated and were subcultured. Disc diffusion was done for the primary evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility, in which microorganisms were incubated in agar plates, following which 50 μL of each medicament was added in filter paper and placed on the plates. The plates were incubated, and zone of inhibition around each disc was measured. Ag-NPs of A. vera demonstrated antimicrobial activity; henceforth, research should be directed toward the use as an intracanal medicament in root canal treatment.