Inhibitory effect of gels loaded with a low concentration of antibiotics against biofilm formation by Enterococcus faecalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis

We explored longitudinally the inhibitory effect of gels loaded with 1 mg/mL modified triple antibiotic paste (MTAP) or double antibiotic paste (DAP) against biofilm formation by Enterococcus faecalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Methylcellulose-based antibiotic gels of MTAP (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and clindamycin) and DAP (ciprofloxacin and metronidazole) were prepared at a concentration of 1 mg/ mL. Individually cultured E. faecalis and P gingivalis bacterial suspensions were treated with MTAP, DAP, or placebo (vehicle only) gels at different dilutions and allowed to grow in 96-well microtiter plates. Untreated bacterial suspensions served as a negative control. Crystal violet assays were used to evaluate biofilm formation after 48 h. The ability of the gels to inhibit biofilm formation was determined immediately, and at 1 month and 3 months after the gels had been prepared. Data were analyzed using a mixedmodel ANOVA. The MTAP and DAP gels significantly reduced biofilm formation by both bacterial species at all time points, regardless of the tested dilution. Nosignificant differences in biofilm-inhibitory effects between MTAP and DAP gels were observed at the majority of the tested dilutions through various time points. Gels loaded with 1 mg/mL MTAP and DAP demonstrated a significant antibiofilm effect against E. faecalis and P gingivalis.