Moderate effect of enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain ® Gel) on Porphyromonas gingivalis growth in vitro

The aim of this study was to analyse the antibacterial effects of Emdogain ® Gel or its constituents on the growth of the suspected periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. The effects of the proteins of enamel matrix derivative (EMD), the commercial product Emdogain ® Gel or its vehicle propylene glycol alginate (PGA) (Straumann, Switzerland) on P. gingivalis growth were determined by two methods: broth dilution assay (BDA) and agar diffusion assay (ADA). BDA—Emdogain ® Gel inhibited moderately the growth of P. gingivalis, whereas EMD showed no effect. The PGA vehicle inhibited the growth completely. ADA—Emdogain ® Gel resulted in some inhibition in growth but was not significantly different from control. EMD revealed no zone of inhibition. PGA demonstrated statistically significant zones of inhibition. Emdogain ® Gel shows moderate antibacterial activities against P. gingivalis. These properties seem to be due to the PGA component of the gel preparation.