Hypochlorous acid solution serves as a potential anti-biofilm therapy for periodontitis via targeting quorum sensing of periodontal pathogens.

Abstract

Backgroud: Hypochlorous acid solution (HAS), a novel bio-friendly antimicrobial, has garnered attention for its antimicrobial activity, while less is known about its antibiofilm effects on periodontal pathogenic biofilms and the underlying mechanisms.

Objective: This study aimed to explore HAS's antibiofilm effect on periodontal pathogenic biofilms and the potential mechanisms.

Design: In vitro, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of HAS was determined by microdilution method. Alterations in biofilms were analysed using crystal violet (CV) staining, MTT assay and microscopic imaging techniques. The biocompatibility of HAS was assessed via CCK-8 and scratch assays. The regulatory mechanism of HAS within biofilms were investigated using bioluminescence assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection and RT‒qPCR. In vivo, rat periodontitis models were established. Imaging and histological techniques were employed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of HAS on alveolar bone resorption and inflammatory cytokines.

Results: Compared to 0.25% NaClO solution, it exhibited better biocompatibility. HAS downregulated biofilmvirulence factors and upregulated oxidative stress response-related genes, suggesting that inducing ROS production is a crucial mechanism of HAS in biofilm inhibition. Furthermore, HAS significantly inhibited autoinducer-2 (AI-2) activity and downregulated the QS-related genes. In vivo, HAS significantly reduced bone resorption and periodontal inflammation.

Conclusions: Given HAS's accessibility, excellent biocompatibility, and outstanding antibiofilm properties, it may offer a safe antibiofilm approach for clinical periodontal therapy, effectively removing biofilms in areas inaccessible to instrumental therapy and persistent biofilms.