Biological and antimicrobial properties of the association Ambroxol and a water-soluble viscous liquid as a vehicle for a tricalcium silicate-based sealer

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and biological properties of Ambroxol associated with glycerin (GLI), propylene glycol (PG), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a possible vehicle for an experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, with the intention of developing a new biomaterial. Mouse undifferentiated dental pulp cells (OD-21) were cultured, and the effects of different association on cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production were investigated. Antimicrobial adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis to setting sealers at 2 h was evaluated. Polyethylene tubes containing experimental sealers and empty tubes were implanted into dorsal connective tissues of 12 male 3- to 4-months-old Wistar rats (250–280 g). After 7 and 30 days, the tubes were removed and processed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. ANOVA followed by Bonferroni correction and ANOVA followed by Tukey test was used for parametric data and Kruskal–Wallis followed by Dunn for nonparametric (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation was dose-dependent, since all association were cytotoxic at higher concentrations; however, Ambroxol–PEG showed significantly higher cytotoxicity than other association (p < 0.05). In addition, irrespective of the association, no cytokine production was observed in vitro. Ambroxol–GLI reduced bacterial viability, whereas Ambroxol–PEG increased (p < 0.05). Histological examination showed no significant difference in the inflammatory response (p > 0.05) and mineralization ability in all association. Additionally, IL-1β and TNF-α were upregulated on Ambroxol–PEG in relation to Control at 07 days (p < 0.05). Ambroxol–GLI was the best vehicle for experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, as it promoted an increase in antimicrobial activity without altering the inflammatory response or mineralization ability. [Image: see text]