Work

In vitro assessment of the antibacterial properties of novel chemomechanical caries removal agents and their impact on bonding performance to resin composite restorations

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To assess the antibacterial efficacy of novel bromelain-containing chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) agents and their effect on the bonding strength of residual dentine to an adhesive resin composite restoration. METHODS: The antibacterial efficacy of three formulated CMCR gels, comprising 30 % bromelain (F1), 30 % bromelain with 0.1 wt.% chloramine-T (F2), and 30 % bromelain with 1.5 % chlorhexidine (F3), was evaluated in comparison to Brix 3000, specifically against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus species. A total of 120 extracted permanent molars exhibiting natural carious lesions were randomly allocated into six groups based on excavation techniques; hand excavation, rotary excavation, Brix 3000, F1, F2, and F3. The microshear bond strength (µSBS) of the residual dentine to resin composite was assessed after two-time intervals. The morphological assessment was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: F3 demonstrated the most pronounced statistically significant antimicrobial efficacy against both bacterial species (p < 0.001), as well as the highest statistically significant immediate µSBS to the residual dentine (p < 0.001). In contrast, F2 exhibited the highest µSBS mean value post aging (p < 0.001), along with the greatest percentage of mixed and cohesive failures. This was accompanied by the presence of a well-integrated hybrid layer and numerous elongated resin tags within the residual dentine. CONCLUSION: The novel bromelain-based CMCR gels, particularly when combined with chlorhexidine, demonstrated a remarkable antimicrobial efficiency. In contrast, the formulation containing chloramine-T exhibited superior prolonged bonding performance. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These novel formulations present a promising strategy for caries management and enhance the longevity of adhesive restorations.

Source: Journal of Dentistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2026.106734

Authors: Huda Al-Badri, Lamis A. Al-Taee, Danya Hashem, Khaled E. Ahmed, Avijit Banerjee, Shatha A. AL-Shammaree

Institutions: University of Baghdad, Taibah University, The University of Melbourne, King's College London

Language: English

Topic: Dental materials and restorations

Subfield: Orthodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,160