A comparative analysis of antibacterial activity of chitosan propolis nanoparticles and 5% sodium hypochlorite against E. faecalis in single canals
| dc.contributor.author | Mzobe, Nosipho | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-01-07T08:09:15Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-01-07T08:09:15Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: The primary goal of endodontic treatment is the elimination of bacteria from the root canal system, in addition to preserving tooth structure and preventing reinfection. Despite mechanical instrumentation and chemical irrigation, the complete disinfection of the root canal system is difficult due to the presence of persistent bacteria, usually in the form of biofilms, which are communities of bacteria embedded in a protective matrix which adhere to the root canal surfaces. These biofilms are resistant to antimicrobial agents such as endodontic irrigants and chelators and thus contribute to root canal treatment failures. To overcome these limitations, complex disinfection methods are required, which can overcome complex root canal anatomy without damaging tissues. A promising approach involves the use of nanoparticles in root canal irrigation. Due to their small size, high surface area, and positive charge, nanoparticles can interact more effectively with negatively charged bacterial cells, thus improving antibacterial efficacy. Methodology: A laboratory-based, quantitative experimental study was utilized to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan–propolis nanoparticles with 5% sodium hypochlorite al;’gainst Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in single rooted canals. Results: Sodium hypochlorite as an irrigant displays the strongest antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis with the lowest bacterial counts at 10 CFU/mL at a range of ~6-10.5. The unfiltered chitosan propolis nanoparticles show antimicrobial properties against E. faecalis bacterial counts at 11 CFU/mL at a range of ~8.5-14. A higher bacterial survival rate of 14 CFU/mL was demonstrated in the filtered chitosan nanoparticle group. The PBS group as the control group showed highest bacterial counts at a median ~15.5 CFU/mL, thus having a minimal antimicrobial effect. Conclusion: This study showed significant antimicrobial effect among treatment groups, with sodium hypochlorite exhibiting the strongest inhibitory effect against E. faecalis, followed by unfiltered chitosan propolis nanoparticles. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10566/21618 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of the Western Cape | |
| dc.subject | Root canal treatment | |
| dc.subject | Root canal irrigation | |
| dc.subject | Enterococcus faecalis | |
| dc.subject | Biofilm | |
| dc.subject | Chitosan-Propolis nanoparticles | |
| dc.title | A comparative analysis of antibacterial activity of chitosan propolis nanoparticles and 5% sodium hypochlorite against E. faecalis in single canals | |
| dc.type | Thesis |