Activity of taurolidine gels on ex vivo periodontal biofilm

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the activity of two different taurolidine (TAU) gels in comparison with a 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on an ex vivo subgingival biofilm.

Material and methods

Subgingival including supragingival biofilm samples from periodontitis patients were cultured for 10 days, before TAU 1% and TAU 3% gels and CHX gel were applied for 10 min and thereafter diluted with nutrient media to 10% for 50 min. One third of the samples were analyzed for bacterial counts, biofilm quantity, and biofilm metabolic activity. In the two other thirds, 90% of the nutrient media were replaced and biofilms were incubated for 23 h. The second third was analyzed in the same way as before. In the third part, patients' microorganisms were added again and incubated for additional 24 h to allow reformation of biofilm before proceeding to analysis.

Results

Decrease of bacterial counts in biofilms was highest following application of TAU 3% after 60 min (0.87 log₁₀ cfu, corresponding 86.5%), 24 and 48 h (reformation of biofilms), respectively. All antimicrobials reduced biofilm quantity after 24 h (each p < 0.05) and following reformation of biofilms (each p < 0.01). Metabolic activity in biofilms was decreased at 60 min (each p < 0.05) and at 24 h (each p < 0.01) after application of TAU gels, while the activity of the reformed biofilm was lower after application of all evaluated antimicrobials (each p < 0.01) than in the control group (e.g., without exposure to antimicrobials).

Conclusion

The antimicrobial activity of taurolidine gels clearly depends on its taurolidine concentration. A high concentrated taurolidine gel is equally active or even superior to 0.2% chlorhexidine gel. However, the activity of antimicrobials is limited in a complex established biofilm and underlines the pivotal role of mechanical biofilm disruption.

Clinical relevance

Within their limits, the data suggest that TAU 3% gel might represent a potential alternative to 0.2% chlorhexidine gel.

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