Electrolyzed neutral water demonstrates significant bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects against bacteria isolated from infected root canals while maintaining stable pH and oxidation-reduction potential when stored in dark, closed containers. This suggests electrolyzed neutral water has potential clinical application as an endodontic irrigant for disinfecting infected root canal systems. The stability of its antimicrobial properties during proper storage makes it a promising alternative for endodontic treatment protocols.
Plain-Language Summary
This study tested electrolyzed neutral water—water treated with electricity to change its chemical properties—against bacteria taken from infected root canals (the hollow part inside teeth). Researchers measured how the water's pH (acidity level), oxidation-reduction potential (a measure of its chemical reactivity), and chlorine concentration changed over time when stored in different ways. They then mixed this water with 17 types of bacteria and one fungus to see if it could kill or slow their growth. The water killed or slowed the growth of the bacteria tested, and its chemical properties stayed stable when stored in a dark, closed container, though the chlorine level did decrease slightly.
Abstract
The purposes of this study were to examine the time-related changes in pH, oxidation-reduction potential, and concentration of chlorine of electrolyzed neutral water and to evaluate the bactericidal effect of electrolyzed neutral water against bacteria from infected root canals. Various properties of electrolyzed neutral water--pH value, oxidation-reduction potential, and concentration of chlorine--were measured at different times after storage of the water in the open state, the closed state, or the closed-and-dark state. The bactericidal effect of the various electrolyzed neutral water samples was then tested against 17 strains of bacteria, including 15 strains isolated from infected canals, as well as against 1 strain of fungus. Each bacterial or fungal suspension was mixed with electrolyzed neutral water, and the 2 substances were reacted together for 1 minute. After incubation for 1 to 7 days, the bactericidal effect of the electrolyzed neutral water was determined. The pH value and oxidation-reduction potential of electrolyzed neutral water remained almost unchanged when the water was stored in a dark, closed container. However, the concentration of chlorine decreased from 18.4 ppm to 10.6 ppm. Electrolyzed neutral water showed a bactericidal or growth-inhibitory effect against the bacteria. The results indicate that electrolyzed neutral water maintains a constant pH and oxidation-reduction potential when kept in a closed container without light and that it exhibits a bacteriostatic/bactericidal action against isolates obtained from infected root canals.
