Publication: Antimicrobial effects on streptococcus mutans and candida albicans and cytotoxicity study on human periodontal ligament fibroblast cell line of oxy-ionic solution at various ph levels - an in vitro study
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Date
2025-04
Authors
Ming, Xu
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Abstract
Oxy-ionic solutions, comprising hypochlorous acid, sodium hydroxide, and
active chlorine, have gained recognition in dental care for their strong antimicrobial
properties, especially against pathogens like Streptococcus mutans and Candida
albicans. These solutions are produced through the electrolysis of saline water.
However, the influence of pH on their antimicrobial effectiveness and cytotoxicity
remains uncertain. This study investigates the antimicrobial efficacy of oxy-ionic
solutions at varying pH levels (3, 5, and 7) against Streptococcus mutans and Candida
albicans and their cytotoxicity on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts. This study
evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy and cytotoxicity of oxy-ionic solutions using three
complementary approaches. First, disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays
quantified antimicrobial effects. Second, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
revealed microbial morphological changes. Third, ATP assays determined cytotoxicity
against human periodontal ligament fibroblasts. The oxy-ionic solutions were tested at
pH 3, 5, and 7 with concentrations of 100%, 75%, and 25%, except for pH 7 which
was assessed only at 100% concentration. Disk diffusion results revealed that the pH
5 solution exhibited the largest zones of growth inhibition, with diameters of 13.79
mm for Streptococcus mutans and 19.67 mm for Candida albicans, indicating the
strongest antimicrobial efficacy among the tested pH levels. Broth microdilution
assays further confirmed this, with the pH 5 solution demonstrating the minimum
inhibitory concentration of 50% for Streptococcus mutans and 25% for Candida
albicans. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed significant microbial cell
wall damage and morphological changes when treated with the pH 5 solution. The
ATP assay results on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts showed that all
concentrations of oxy-ionic solutions at pH 3, pH 5, and pH 7 exhibited significant
cytotoxicity after 2 minutes of exposure. Although cell viability improved with
extended exposure time to 24 hours, it still remained below safe thresholds. These
findings suggest that there is a therapeutic potential in the dental care of oxy-ionic
solution pH 5 based on high antimicrobial effects, however further study on the
dilution of the solution is necessary to ensure clinical safety and effectiveness.
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Keywords
Oxy-ionic solution , antimicrobial efficacy