Biomimetic Gutta-Percha Carriers with Calcium Hydroxide-Embedded Nanofibers: An Enhanced Antibacterial Coating System
Current Drug Therapy, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.2174/0115748855407002251102101518
- Dergi Adı: Current Drug Therapy
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, EMBASE
- Anahtar Kelimeler: antimicrobial, biocompatibility, Calcium hydroxide, electrospinning, endodontic disinfection, gutta-percha, intracanal medicament, nanofibers
- Anadolu Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction: This study aimed to develop a novel antibacterial coating system for intracanal disinfection by incorporating calcium hydroxide (CH) into polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers via electrospinning, and applying the coating onto gutta-percha cones as a biocompatible carrier. The objective was to improve the antimicrobial efficacy, biocompatibility, and handling characteristics of conventional CH pastes, while addressing challenges related to medicament removal and Enterococcus faecalis resistance. Methods: Three experimental groups were evaluated: Group 1—traditional CH paste, Group 2—bare PVP nanofiber-coated cones, and Group 3—CH-loaded PVP nanofiber-coated cones. Morphological characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with elemental validation by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Cytocompatibility was assessed using NIH/3T3 fibroblasts via the MTT assay. Antibacterial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and E. faecalis was determined using the microbroth dilution method. Removal efficiency of intracanal medicaments was quantified by image analysis following standardized irrigation protocols. Results: CH-PVP nanofiber-coated gutta-percha cones exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial activity against E. faecalis (MIC 125 µg/mL) compared to traditional CH paste (>1000 µg/mL), while PVP nanofibers alone showed moderate antimicrobial effects (MIC 1000 µg/mL). No inhibitory activity was observed against E. coli or P. aeruginosa. Cytocompatibility testing confirmed the absence of cytotoxic effects across all experimental groups. Importantly, nanofiber-coated groups facilitated easier removal, leaving significantly less residual material in root canals compared to conventional CH paste. Conclusion: The CH-PVP nanofiber-coated gutta-percha system demonstrates superior antibacterial performance, excellent cytocompatibility, and enhanced clinical manageability compared to conventional CH pastes. While this study establishes proof-of-concept for a successful antibacterial coating material, the electrospun nanofiber platform also offers the potential to be adapted for controlled delivery of other therapeutic agents, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and regenerative growth factors. Further in vivo and clinical studies are warranted to validate long-term efficacy and safety, with the potential to redefine intracanal disinfection and multifunctional drug delivery in contemporary endodontic therapy.