Comparative evaluation of biofilm formation ability of E.faecalis in alkaline conditions and its susceptibility to endodontic irrigant regimens – An In vitro microbiological study.

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the alkaline tolerance ability of Enterococcus faecalis; one of the most commonly isolated bacterium from failed root canal treatments. E. faecalis was grown in Brain heart Infusion (BHI) broth and maintained at different alkaline conditions (pH); its ability to form biofilm in polystyrene plates was assayed by O’Toole method. Intracanal irrigants sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) and MTAD were used to evaluate the suppression of E. faecalis biofilm. The data obtained was statistically analysed by Anova and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. E. faecalis was able to survive and form biofilm at all tested pH range (7.3-12.3). 2% NaOCl and 1% CHX were highly effective in suppressing E. faecalis biofilm whereas MTAD had limited activity.