Effect of Vanadium Chloroperoxidase on Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the antimicrobial effect of vanadium chloroperoxidase (VCPO) reaction products on Enterococcus faecalis biofilms of 4 different strains. Methods: Twenty-four hour biofilms of E. faecalis strains V583, ER5/1, E2, and 05-16 were incubated in mixtures with VCPO, halide (either bromide or chloride), and hydrogen peroxide. The antibacterial efficacy was assessed by colony-forming unit counts. Results: The VCPO reaction products had a similar efficacy in reducing the viability of the 4 strains of E. faecalis (94%; range, 87%-100%). Bromide as the halogen of choice was more effective on E. faecalis strains E2 and 05-16, as compared with chloride (Mann-Whitney U test; P < .05). Despite different quantities of produced biofilms by the 4 strains, VCPO treatment was similarly effective toward all strains (Kruskal-Wallis test; P <.05). Conclusions: VCPO treatment results in an antimicrobial effect toward in vitro E. faecalis biofilms and might provide an addition to current endodontic treatment, possibly as an antimicrobial dressing. (J Endod 2012;38:72-74)