Comparative evaluation of cytotoxicity and antimicrobial efficacy of a poloxamer 407-based pulp capping agent and mineral trioxide aggregate: An in vitro study

Background: Vital pulp therapy aims to preserve pulp vitality by using biologically compatible materials with sufficient antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity. Poloxamer 407, a thermoresponsive polymer, has attracted interest as a potential carrier for pulp-capping formulations due to its favorable physical, chemical, and biological properties. Aim: To compare the antimicrobial effectiveness and cytotoxicity of a Poloxamer 407-based novel pulp-capping agent against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis , with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Materials and Methods: A 20% w/v Poloxamer-407 hydrogel-containing Biodentine (Sample A) was prepared as the test formulation. Its antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and E. faecalis was assessed using the broth microdilution method to determine minimum inhibitory concentration and the agar disc diffusion assay to measure the zone of inhibition. Cytotoxicity was tested with an MTT assay. MTA served as the reference standard. Data analysis was performed using the one-way analysis of variance with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The Poloxamer 407-based pulp capping agent showed dose-dependent antimicrobial activity, with greater inhibition of S. mutans than E. faecalis . Cytotoxicity results indicated similar cell viability between groups, demonstrating acceptable biocompatibility. Conclusion: The Poloxamer 407-based pulp capping agent showed improved antimicrobial activity with acceptable cytocompatibility, indicating potential as a pulp-capping material.