LAUSR

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan-silver nanocomposite on Candida albicans when compared to three different antifungal agents in combination with standard irrigation protocol. Materials and Methods: Fifty experimental teeth were biomechanically prepared and inoculated with suspension of C. albicans. At the end of 96 h, teeth were divided into five experimental groups. The groups were treated with respective irrigating solutions for 1 min and compared to the antifungal. An inoculation loop was used to remove aliquots from the fluid and was plated on 4% Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and incubated for 48 h. After incubation, the growth of C. albicans was assessed with light microscopy at ×400. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Post hoc followed by Dunnet t-test. Results: Colony forming unit (CFU) was determined for all five groups. One percent clotrimazole and chitosan-silver nanocomposite showed complete inhibition in all the samples. Control group (5.25% sodium hypochlorite, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and 0.9% saline), 0.2% fluconazole and 0.2% amphotericin B showed complete inhibition in 8 samples and reduced CFU in two samples. 0.2% fluconazole showed better inhibition of C. albicans compared to control group and 0.2% amphotericin B. Conclusions: Chitosan-silver nanocomposite as an endodontic irrigant can inhibit the growth of C. albicans in combination with standard irrigation protocol.