Inhibition of bacteria by chitosan in vitro

Objective To test the inhibitory effects on bacteria by three chitosans(chitosan-Zn、chitosan-Ag、N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan).Methods Porphyromonas endodontalis(P.e),Porphyromonas gingivalis(P.g),Prevotella intermedia(P.i),Actinnomyces viscosus(A.v)were selected for evaluate of the inhibition of bacterium by the Chitosans.Argrose diffusion test was applied and chlorhexidine was served as positive control.The inhibitory effects on the bacteria were evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)and the diameter of inhibitory zone.Results The three chitosans had similar inhibitory effects on bacteria as chlorhexidine had.There was no difference among the three chitosans.Conclusion The three chitosans had strong inhibitory effects on the bacteria usually found infected canals.