Background
Persistent Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) infection remains a primary cause of endodontic treatment failure due to its strong biofilm-forming ability, nutrient tolerance, and penetration into dentinal tubules and root canal isthmuses.1,2 Conventional irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) remain the gold standard, exhibiting strong antibacterial and tissue-dissolving effects.3 However, high NaOCl concentrations are cytotoxic, reduce dentin microhardness, and risk periapical tissue injury, underscoring the need for safer and more biocompatible alternatives.4