Antimicrobial activity of tt-farnesol associated with an endodontic sealer against Enterococcus faecalis

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the antibacterial activity of trans-trans farnesol (tt-farnesol) associated with Sealapex sealer against Enterococcus faecalis.

Methodology: Initially, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of tt-farnesol was determined by microdilution technique. The sealer was associated with 350 µg/g tt-farnesol (G_S+0.35f); 1750 µg/g tt-farnesol (G_S+0.175f); or only Sealapex (G_S). For antimicrobial activity test, E faecalis suspension was added in tubes containing the sealer samples and incubated for 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h. After each time, two blinded and calibrated evaluators performed the CFU count. Data were analyzed statistically by one way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests (significance level P < 0.05).

Results: It was observed difference in the CFU count between G_S, G_S+0.35f and G_S+0.175 after 48 and 72 h, and between G_S for the other groups in 96, 120 and 144 h (P < 0.05). The CFU count was lower in G_S+0.35f than in G_S+0.175f after 48 and 72 h (P < 0.05). In G_S+0.35f, there was a decrease in CFU count after 48 h and in G_S+0.175f after 72 h (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: The association of tt-farnesol with Sealapex decreased E faecalis growth in vitro after 48 h of incubation. The MBC of 0.35 and 0.175 mg/mL of tt-farnesol reduced the CFU count after 48 and 72 h, respectively.