Antibiofilm effect of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles combined with calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm: An ex vivo study

This study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in combination with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)] against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm. On an E. faecalis biofilm on dentin discs, the following medicaments were applied for 7 days (n = 13/group): 0.005% AgNPs+Ca(OH)(2), 0.01% AgNPs+Ca(OH)(2), 0.02% AgNPs + Ca(OH)(2), Ca(OH)(2) and saline/control. Specimens were stained with LIVE/DEAD (R) BacLight (TM) dye and analysed with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Proportion of dead bacteria was calculated and analysed. There was a significant reduction in E. faecalis biofilm in all medicament groups (43.5%, 49.1%, 69.1%, 48.7%) respectively, compared with control group (2.54%) (p < 0.001). The 0.02% AgNPs + Ca(OH)(2) group demonstrated the most significantly superior antibiofilm effect, with no significant difference between remaining groups. In conclusion, combining 0.02% AgNPs enhanced the antibiofilm effect of Ca(OH)(2) on E. faecalis biofilm compared with lower AgNPs concentrations.