Antimicrobial Efficacy of 1% Chitosan Gel against Periodontal Pathogens: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Aim and objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 1% (w/v) chitosan gel as an active agent, on periodontopathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Tannerella forsythia. Materials and methods: One percent chitosan gel was tested for its antimicrobial activity against four periodontopathogens, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, F. nucleatum, and T. forsythia by using a disk diffusion test. Results: The effectiveness of chitosan gel can be measured using its zone of inhibition. Chitosan gel showed the maximum zone of inhibition against F. nucleatum. It also produced a wide ring of no bacterial growth where P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and T. forsythia were inoculated. Conclusion:In this study, it has been demonstrated that chitosan gel is effective against the periopathogens tested, thereby highlighting its potential to be used in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Clinical significance: Chitosan gel shows promise in vitro, by producing a wide zone of no bacterial growth. Therefore, it can be used in the treatment of chronic periodontitis, clinically.