MATERIALS AND METHODS: An estimated 120 human root dentin disks were prepared, sterilized, and inoculated with E. faecalis strain (ATCC 29212) to develop a 3-weeks-old biofilm. The dentin discs were exposed to group I-control group: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (n = 20); group II-1% ALX + 5.25% NaOCl (n = 40); group III-1% alexidine (ALX) (n = 40) (Sigma-Aldrich, Mumbai, India); group IV-negative control: saline (n = 20). After exposure, the dentin disks were stained with the fluorescent live/dead dye and evaluated with a confocal scanning electron microscope to calculate the proportion of dead cells. Statistical analysis was done using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05).
RESULTS: The maximum proportion of dead cells were seen in the groups treated with the combination of 1% ALX + 5.25% NaOCl (94.89%) and in the control group 5.25% NaOCl (93.14%). The proportion of dead cells presented in the 1% ALX group (51.79%) and negative control group saline (15.10%) were comparatively less.
CONCLUSION: The antibacterial efficiency of a combination of 1% ALX and 5.25% NaOCl was more effective when compared with 1% ALX alone.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Alexidine at 1% could be used as an alternative endodontic irrigant to chlorhexidine, as alexidine does not form any toxic precipitates with sodium hypochlorite. The disinfection regimen comprising a combination of 1% ALX and 5.25% NaOCl is effective in eliminating E. faecalis biofilms.
PURPOSE: This work aimed to ensure brain availability of nalbuphine via the nasal route.
METHOD: Chitosan based nanoparticles loaded with nalbuphine were successfully prepared using ionic gelation method and characterised.
RESULT: SEM results revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical in shape, with an average size of 192.4 ± 11.6 nm. Zeta potential and entrapment efficiency was found 32.8 mV and 88.43 ± 7.75%, respectively. The X-ray diffractometry and DSC results unravel a profound understanding on the physical and thermal characteristics. The in-vitro release of nalbuphine from the nanoparticles was biphasic, with an initial burst release followed by a slow-release profile. In-vitro cell study on HEK-293 cells and microscopic images of brain tissue confirmed the safety profile of formulation. In-vivo efficacy studies on animal confirmed the effectiveness of developed intranasal formulation as compared to the standard therapy. The in-vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that the prepared nanoparticles were able to efficiently deliver nalbuphine to the brain in comparison to the other body organs. Gamma scintigraphy images showed retention of the drug in the brain. Furthermore, the efficacy studies confirmed that the nanoparticles were found significantly more effective than the marketed formulation in pain management.