Effect of the enamel matrix derivative Emdogain® on the growth of periodontal pathogens in vitro

Aim of the study

To evaluate the effect of Emdogain^® on the viability and growth of periodontal pathogens such as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A. a.), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. g.) and Prevotella intermedia (P. i.). For comparison, the effect of Emdogain^® on many other bacteria associated with other oral diseases as well as its effect on non-pathogenic organisms was assessed.

Materials and methods

Emdogain^® or its vehicle (propylene glycol alginate, PGA) was added to microbial suspensions. A saline solution acted as control. The cellular density and number of CFU were assayed after 24 hours. Emdogain^® was also placed on selected bacterial cultures.

Results

This study showed evidence of a marked inhibitory effect of Emdogain^® on the viability and growth of Gram negative periodontal pathogens. In the case of A. a., there was a marked diminution in viability after 24 hours. P. g. and P. i. were no longer viable after 24 hours. In contrast, the viability of Gram positive organisms was unaffected.

Conclusion

The results suggest that Emdogain^® has a positive effect on the composition of bacterial species post-surgically. Emdogain^® selectively reduces the growth of periodontal pathogens and can affect the healing and outcome of regenerative procedures.

Commentary

This was an in vitro study. Another study on the same subject (Sculean et al. , J Clin Periodontol 2001 ; 28 ; 11) found that the antibacterial activity was linked to the vehicle rather than the enamel matrix derivative.