An In vitro Assessment of Antibacterial Activity of Three Self-etching Primers Against Oral Microflora

Aims: This study aims to evaluate and compare the antibacterial activity of three self-etching primers (SEP), namely, Transbond plus, Reliance, and Gluma against commonly encountered oral microflora (Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Actinomyces viscosus). Subjects and Methods: The antibacterial activity of the three SEPs was examined against microorganisms using agar diffusion test (ADT) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). In ADT, Whatman's filter paper disc of 5 mm was loaded with primer and polymerized. This was placed on previously inoculated brain heart infusion and blood agar plates and was incubated for 48–72 h at 37°C according to the microorganism. For assessing MIC serial dilution method was used. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed with Kruskal–Wallis (P < 0.001) and Mann–Whitney tests. Results: Only Transbond plus SEP and Reliance SEP produced a clear growth inhibition halo against S. mutans, L. acidophilus and A. viscosus. Gluma SEP did not show any growth inhibition halo against S. mutans, L. acidophilus, and A. viscosus. Conclusions: TSEP and Reliance SEP did show antibacterial activity in an in vitro environment. Therefore, this study concludes that the use of these SEPs may contribute to a reduction in bacterial colonization