Fig. 2

Representative confocal images of Candida albicans (A, B) control group cells (in green) and (C) 2%CHX treated biofilms. (D) Specimens treated with 41% Ca(OH)2; (E) Structural destruction of Candida albicans micro-colonies after treatment with 2%k21 disinfectant. (F) degraded collagen fibers seen in after enzymatic degradation showing presence of denatured collagen fibers; TEM showed non-intact collagen fibres suggesting a significant degradation effect of bacterial biofilm in the control group. The collagen fibres were thinner and irregular in contour as compared to the medicament-treated specimens. (G) 2%CHX; (H) 41% Ca(OH)2; (I) 2%k21 where an increased number of fibrils seen in a relatively uniform manner. (G): Specimen treated by 2% chlorhexidine and (H) specimen treated by 41% calcium hydroxide both showing improved collagen fibrils compared to control. However, both 2%CHX (G) and calcium hydroxide (F) showed isolated fibrils and irregular arrangement of substructure. (I) Specimens treated by 2% k21 showing increased number of collagen fibrils and well demarcated collagen cross banding pattern. This could be due to the ability of 2%k21 as an inhibitor to MMP and cysteines cathepsins leading to increased resistance of dentine collagen against degradation and ingress by bacteria leading to better preservation of the collagen fibrils framework