Antibacterial Effects of Orthodontic Primer Harboring Chitosan Nanoparticles against the Multispecies Biofilm of Cariogenic Bacteria in a Rat Model

Introduction: Microbial biofilm accumulation around orthodontic brackets and composite is a common complication of fixed orth-odontic treatment. This study assessed the antibacterial effects of orthodontic primer containing chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) against the multispecies biofilm of cariogenic bacteria in а rat model. Materials and methods: Transbond XT orthodontic primer containing 0%, 1%, 5%, and 10% CNPs was experimentally prepared. The Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=7) of control (0% CNPs), 1%, 5% and 10% CNPs. The oral cavities of the rats were infected with cariogenic bacteria. After anesthetizing the rats, 1 drop (10 µL) of primer with different concentrations of CNPs was applied to their central incisor and light-cured for 20 seconds. Transbond XT orthodontic adhesive (2 × 2 mm) was applied on the primer. Another drop (10 µL) of primer was applied and light-cured for 40 seconds. The number of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus colonies in the saliva of rats was quantified at 24 hours, 4 days and 7 days. Results: Adding 1% (p=0.005), 5% (p