BACKGROUND

Effective endodontic treatment relies on eliminating microbial infections and preventing reinfections. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)) is widely used as an intracanal medicament due to its high pH and antibacterial activity. However, its limited solubility and penetration reduce its efficacy. Nanoparticles (NPs) such as poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and Chitosan have shown promise in enhancing drug delivery and sustained release.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy, pH changes, and drug release of Ca(OH) alone, Ca(OH) with PLGA NPs, and Ca(OH) with Chitosan NPs as intracanal medicaments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four single-rooted teeth were divided into three groups: (1) Group 1: Ca(OH) (control), (2) Group 2: Ca(OH) + PLGA, (3) Group 3: Ca(OH) + Chitosan. Antibacterial activity was assessed against using the agar diffusion method at 1 h, 24 h, and 7 days. pH changes were recorded using a digital pH meter. Drug release was analyzed through a dialysis bag method in phosphate-buffered saline at 37°C, with ultraviolet spectrophotometry at 220 nm. Statistical analysis was done using Analysis of Variance and Tukey's test ( < 0.05).

RESULTS

Group 3 (Ca(OH) + Chitosan) showed the largest inhibition zones (15.46 ± 0.16 mm at 24 h; 14.56 ± 0.16 mm at 7 days) and the highest pH (11.71 ± 0.34). Group 2 (Ca(OH) + PLGA) exhibited the most sustained drug release (78.14% ± 2.09% at 7 days).

CONCLUSION

NP incorporation significantly improved the antibacterial efficacy, pH stability, and drug release of Ca(OH). Chitosan enhanced antimicrobial activity and pH, while PLGA provided superior sustained release. These formulations show potential as advanced intracanal medicaments.