Effect of curcumin analogues, irradiated or not by LED, as antimicrobial agents and inducers of cell proliferation and migration

Abstract

Endodontic treatment of young permanent teeth with reversible infections before the normal physiological closure of the root apex is still a challenge for Endodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. Scientific reports have shown that curcumin, a polyphenolic phytochemical, has several therapeutic properties, including broad spectrum and potent antimicrobial action and the ability to induce cell proliferation and migration. In addition, due to its excitatory capacity in the presence of light, curcumin has been used as a photosensitizer in light emitting diode (LED) photodynamic therapy, promoting an increase in its biological effects. Another way to increase its therapeutic potential and reduce some limitations of the use of curcumin is the synthesis of analogs from small chemical modifications in the original structure, however, maintaining its photosensitizing capacity. The objective of this study will be to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm action of curcumin analogues, under the influence or not of LED, on microorganisms of endodontic interest and its influence on cytotoxicity, proliferation and migration of human epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Curcumin and a series of curcumin analogs, previously synthesized by Pabon's methodology an by the reaction between acetylacetone and benzoic aldehyde derivatives, will be evaluated. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds will be determined by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (CBM) assays on Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Actinomyces israelii, Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. The effect of the compounds on the bacterial biofilm will be verified by counting the CFU/mL and by confocal microscopy, after exposure to the compounds with better antibacterial action, under the action of the LED. Curcumin analogues will also be evaluated for cytotoxicity, ability to induce proliferation and migration by human epithelial cells and fibroblasts. All experiments will be performed in triplicate and in three independent days and the results analyzed statistically (p <0.05). (AU)