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Aim: The aim of the study was to assess and evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) with calcium hydroxide in the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: Using the broth microdilution method, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of calcium hydroxide and CSNPs were measured. The antibiofilm effect of calcium hydroxide and CSNPs against E. faecalis biofilm was qualitatively analyzed using a crystal violet assay. A 7-day-old biofilms of E. faecalis grown on dentine discs were assigned to the following three groups (n = 11 dentine discs), normal saline (group I), calcium hydroxide (group II), and CSNPs (group III). Quantification of live and dead cells using confocal microscopy was done to evaluate the antibiofilm efficacy of the medicaments included in the study. Results: MIC of calcium hydroxide and CSNPs against E. faecalis was observed at 2.5 mg/mL and 0.31 mg/mL, respectively. MBC of calcium hydroxide and CSNPs was observed at 2.5 mg/mL and 0.31 mg/mL, respectively. Using Crystal Violet (CV) assay, calcium hydroxide and CSNPs showed biofilm inhibition at concentrations of 2.5 mg/mL and 0.625 mg/mL, respectively. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis found that both calcium hydroxide and CSNPs showed a significant decrease in viable cells at their MBC values compared to the control group's normal saline. CSNPs showed a significantly lower percentage of live cells than calcium hydroxide (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study results reveal that the antimicrobial efficacy of CSNPs is better than calcium hydroxide and normal saline against E. faecalis biofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) is a second‐generation platelet concentrate with multiple applications in wound healing and regeneration in both periodontitis and diabetes. However, the three dimensional (3‐D) structure and cytokine content of PRF might be altered in patients suffering from either/both of the chronic inflammatory conditions, ultimately influencing the efficacy of PRF as a biomaterial for regenerative medicine. Aim: The aim of the present study was hence to evaluate the effect of both these chronic inflammatory diseases on the 3‐D structure of PRF membrane. An attempt was also made to compare the growth factor content between the plasma and RBC ends of the prepared PRF gel. Materials & Methods: L‐PRF was prepared for twenty participants, healthy (5), periodontitis (5), T2DM (5) and T2DM with periodontitis (5). Porosity and fiber diameter of PRF membranes was visualized under FE‐SEM and measured using ImageJ Software. PDGF‐BB and TGF‐β1 levels in PRF gel were assessed by ELISA. Results: The average diameter of fibrin fibers under FE‐SEM was 0.15 to 0.30 micrometers. Porosity was higher at the plasma end (p = 0.042). Red blood cell (RBC) end of the membrane had thinner fibers arranged in a comparatively more dense and compact structure with smaller porosities. Healthy subjects had the least porous PRF compared to subjects with either/both of the chronic conditions. PDGF‐BB levels were similar along all the four groups. TGF‐β1 levels were highest in healthy subjects. Discussion: 3‐D structure and growth factor content of PRF are influenced by a person's periodontal and/or diabetic status. The RBC end of the PRF membrane, as compared to the plasma end, has thinner fibers arranged in a comparatively more dense and compact structure with smaller porosities, and hence should be favored during periodontal regenerative procedures. Conclusion: Both periodontitis and diabetes have a significant influence on the 3‐D structure and growth factor content of PRF produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]