Activity of Taurolidine Gels on Ex-Vivo Periodontal Biofilm

Objectives: To evaluate the activity of taurolidine (TAU) gels in comparison with a 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on an ex-vivo subgingival biofilm.
Methods: Subgingival biofilm samples chronic from periodontitis patients were cultured for 10 d, before TAU 2% and TAU 3% gels and CHX gel were applied. Bacterial counts, biofilm quantity and biofilm activity were determined after 60 min, 24 h as well as after repeated addition of subgingival biofilm for 24 h (reformation of biofilm).
Results: Decrease of bacterial counts in biofilms was highest (up to 0.87 log10 cfu) after application of TAU 3% gel after 60 min, 24 h and reformation of biofilms. All antimicrobials reduced biofilm quantity after 24 h and after reformation of biofilms. Activity in biofilms was significantly reduced 60 min and 24 h after application of TAU gels, activity of the reformed biofilm was lower after application of any antimicrobial than in the control without exposure to antimicrobials.
Conclusions: The antimicrobial activity of taurolidine gels clearly depends on their taurolidine concentration. The TAU 3% gel seems to have equal or even superior antimicrobial activity than 0.2% chlorhexidine gel. However, activity of antimicrobials is limited on a complex established biofilm which underlines the need of a mechanical disrupture of biofilms. As an adjunctive antimicrobial TAU 3% gel might be a potential alternative to chlorhexidine gel in non-surgical periodontal therapy.