Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drug-delivery systems at endodontic reparative material: Synthesis and characterization

Objective

The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize an experimental endodontic paste.

Methods

An experimental endodontic paste (EX) was characterized by its particle size, zeta potential, drug content and morphology. The powder of EX is composed of amoxicillin microspheres, calcium tungstate and α-tricalcium phosphate, mixed with an indomethacin nanocapsules suspension. Ultracal^® (Ultradent), an iodoform-based paste (GP) and the EX were evaluated by its physical properties (flow, film thickness and radiopacity). The cytocompatibility was performed by MTT and SRB-colorimetric assays; the cell-migration was tested with scratch assay and cell-ability to remineralization with ALP and Alizarin Red S, with fibroblastic cell line. The antibacterial activity was assessed by the formation of inhibition zones and against planktonic bacteria.

Results

The EX and UL flow achieved ISO6876 standard, and GP was lower than 17 mm. All pastes achieved the film thickness required. Radiopacity was equivalent to 1.81 ± 0.25 mmAl for EX, which did not differ from GP group 1.39 ± 0.33 mmAl (p > 0.05). The UL presented 3.04 ± 0.33 mmAl. The values for SRB showed better citocompatibility in comparison with MTT for all materials. The ALP activity and formation of mineralized nodules demonstrated the remineralization potential for UL and EX. Cell migration showed continuous wound closure until complete cell healing, however, the EX accelerated the process (p < 0.05). The EX showed the greatest inhibition zone (p < 0.05) and was the only group with antibacterial activity against planktonic bacteria.

Significance

The synthesized endodontic paste demonstrated reliable physical and biological properties and could be a promising material for periapical tissue repair.