Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of a broad-spectrum antiseptic using a model of erythrocyte hemolysis in an in vitro experiment

The use of new antiseptic preparations as irrigation solutions to replace well-known irrigants is an attractive option, as they have fewer side effects.

The purpose of the research was to evaluate and compare the cytotoxicity of modern irrigation solutions and the antiseptic Stomatidin in an in vitro experiment.

The study was conducted with four groups (n = 10): group 1 – 3.0 % sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution; group 2 – 2.0 % chlorhexidine (CHX); group 3 – the antiseptic Stomatidin; and group 4 – ultrasound-activated Stomatidin. One hundred microliters of each irrigant were added to 2 mL of a diluted erythrocyte suspension obtained from a human volunteer.

The distinct absorption spectrum of hemoglobin enabled the assessment of the degree of hemolysis using spectrophotometry in units of optical density. For this purpose, a hemolytic analysis was performed in microcentrifuge tubes containing a 10 % erythrocyte suspension after incubation at 37 °C for 60 minutes. The percentage of hemolysis was determined by spectrophotometric reading at 540 nm before and after incubation.

The increase in the percentage of erythrocyte hemolysis was highest with the 3.0 % NaOCl solution, followed by 2.0 % CHX. The lowest cytotoxicity was observed with Stomatidin. The increase in the percentage of erythrocyte hemolysis for Stomatidin and ultrasound-activated Stomatidin showed no statistically significant differences.

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