Lipopeptide Biosurfactant (LB) is a bacteria derived compound able to reduce surface tension between water and hydrophobic substances and exhibit antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties. This study by Dr. Eng. Isty Adhitya Purwasena, S.Si., M.Si., aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effect of a Lipopeptide Biosurfactant (LB) on Enterococcus faecalis, and its potential use in root canal treatment, either as a standalone irrigation solution or in conjunction with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). LB exhibited an MIC50 and MBIC50 of 100 ppm, with an MBEC50 of 1000 ppm, resulting in 52.94 % biofilm inhibition and 60.95 % biofilm eradication on dentin specimens. The effectiveness was concentration-dependent, at 500 ppm, LB demonstrated comparable antimicrobial efficacy to 2.5 % NaOCl. Pre-irrigation with LB resulted in lower biofilm biomass compared to NaOCl alone. Pre-irrigation with LB enhanced the antimicrobial effect when followed by NaOCl irrigation. Consequently, LB shows promise as both a standalone root canal irrigation solution and as an adjunct to NaOCl in root canal treatment.

Article Citation:
Purwasena, I.A.; Fitri, D. K.; Putri, D. M.; Endro, H.; Zakaria, M. N. (2024) Lipopeptide biosurfactant as a potential root canal irrigation agent: Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm evaluation. Journal of Dentistry 144: 104961.