COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
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2025
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IF 5.6
Pengchao Fang,Xiaoxing Ye,Leijie Tian,Yibiao Chen,Xiaolan Li,Haiyan Hu
Dental caries, a prevalent oral disease, is caused by acid- producing plaque microorganisms-notably Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans )-which drive enamel demineralization. Current prevention strategies, such as fluoride and chlorhexidine, primarily target planktonic bacteria but exhibit limited efficacy against biofilms and neglect enamel remineralization, thereby reducing their therapeutic efficacy. To address these limitations, we developed dual-functional nanoparticles (AXCP NPs) that can eradicate S. mutans biofilm and promote enamel remineralization. The amphiphilic polymer Arg-XOS-CPP (AXC) was synthesized by covalently conjugating oligosaccharide carbonyl groups to the amino residues of L-arginine and casein. Self-assembly of AXC with calcium and phosphate ions yielded hybrid nanoparticles (AXCP NPs). Experimental results indicated that AXCP NPs had no effect on the viability of HaCaT cells. Under acidic conditions, protonation of arginine triggered a surface charge reversal from negative to positive, enabling targeted binding to negatively charged biofilms. As expected, AXCP NPs exhibited potent anti- S. mutans activity (MIC: 640 μg/mL) and remarkable biofilm eradication efficacy (>80% clearance). In vitro release and remineralization assays demonstrated that AXCP NPs continuously released calcium and phosphorus ions, regulating the mineralization process and effectively restoring enamel functionality. Furthermore, in mice caries model, localized application of AXCP NPs significantly suppressed biofilm accumulation on tooth surface and restored mineral density in demineralized enamel, inhibiting caries progression.
研究领域:
口腔医学
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材料科学
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微生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
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2026
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IF 6.7
Binge Zhang,Jingwen Zhang,Feiyu Duan,Zehui Xuan,Tong Sun,Lili Lu
Erythritol is a widely used sweetener with beneficial properties and bioactivities, including the inhibition of Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that induces dental caries. Galactosylation of compounds is an attractive method for improving antimicrobial activity. In this study, a novel metagenomic β-galactosidase gene, bga7, was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme was used to galactosylate erythritol, generating a high yield (93.6%) of galactoside product at a concentration of 2 U/mL upon incubation with 20 mM o-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside and 0.5 M erythritol at 40 °C and pH 9.0 for 4 h. The product was confirmed to be β-galactosyl-erythritol by MS and NMR analysis. This galactoside demonstrated significantly enhanced inhibition of both the planktonic growth of S. mutans and biofilm formation compared to erythritol alone. Further investigation into the mechanism revealed that the galactoside suppressed the transcriptional levels of four important genes (gtfB, ftf, srtA, and spaP) associated with bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.
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高影响因子
Frontiers in Chemistry
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2023
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IF 5.5
Hu Zhimin,Tang Ying,Jiang Bulin,Xu Yue,Liu Siying,Huang Cui
Introduction: Plaque biofilms, mainly formed by Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), play an important role in the occurrence and development of dental caries. Antibiotic treatment is the traditional way to control plaque. However, problems such as poor drug penetration and antibiotic resistance have encouraged the search for alternative strategies. In this paper, we hope to avoid antibiotic resistance through the antibacterial effect of curcumin, a natural plant extract with photodynamic effects, on S. mutans. However, the clinical application of curcumin is limited due to its low water solubility, poor stability, high metabolic rate, fast clearance rate, and limited bioavailability. In recent years, liposomes have become a widely used drug carrier due to their numerous advantages, such as high drug loading efficiency, high stability in the biological environment, controlled release, biocompatibility, non-toxic, and biodegradability. So, we constructed a curcumin-loaded liposome (Cur@LP) to avoid the defect of curcumin.Methods: Cur@LP functioned with NHS can adhere to the surface of the S. mutans biofilm by condensation reaction. Liposome (LP) and Cur@LP was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The cytotoxicity of Cur@LP was evaluated by CCK-8 assay and LDH assay. The adhesion of Cur@LP to S. mutans biofilm was observed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The antibiofilm efficiency of Cur@LP were evaluated by crystal violet staining, CLSM, and scanning electron microscope (SEM).Results: The mean diameter of LP and Cur@LP were 206.67 ± 8.38 nm and 312 ± 18.78 nm respectively. The ζ-potential of LP and Cur@LP were ∼−19.3 mV and ∼−20.8 mV respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of Cur@LP was (42.61 ± 2.19) %, and curcumin was rapidly released up to ±21% at 2 h. Cur@LP has negligible cytotoxicity, and can effectively adhered to the S. mutans biofilm and inhibited its growth.Discussion: Curcumin has been widely studied in many fields such as cancer, which can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. At present, there are few studies on the delivery of curcumin to S. mutans biofilm. In this study, we verified the adhesion and antibiofilm of Cur@LP to S. mutans biofilm. This biofilm removal strategy has the potential to be translated into the clinic.
研究领域:
牙科学
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药剂学
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微生物学
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药物递送系统
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抗菌剂
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PubMed
高影响因子
ACS Chemical Biology
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2026
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IF 3.6
Lin Wang,Xiaoyu Li,Ping Liu,Yulun Wu,Jimin Zheng,Zongchao Jia,Hairun Pei,Xueli Cao
Based on the preliminary screening of the potential active components that inhibit the biofilm of Streptococcus mutans from the extract of Lonicera japonicaflos (LJF), we identified chlorogenic acid (CA), a polyphenol compound, as a potential active component against S. mutans biofilms. To elucidate its molecular mechanism, we performed integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. CA treatment markedly altered biofilm morphology without affecting bacterial viability, primarily through decreased glucan production, a key reason for antibiofilm formation. Multiomics integration revealed that the inhibitory effect of CA was mainly associated with carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, particularly sucrose and pyruvate pathways. Further biochemical validation identified glycosyltransferases (Gtfs) and the sensor kinase VicK as direct CA-binding targets. Structural modeling demonstrated stable hydrogen-bonding interactions between CA and residues within the catalytic domains of both proteins, supporting a mechanism in which CA competitively disrupts substrate utilization and impairs glucan biosynthesis. Together, these results provide mechanistic insight into how CA inhibits S. mutans biofilms and suggest its potential application for studying biofilm regulation.
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY
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2026
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IF 5.6
Fei Shu,Zhifang Wang,Wanxi Chen,Mei Liu
Statement of problem Staphylococcus aureus ( S aureus ) and Streptococcus mutans ( S mutans ) are pathogenic bacteria associated with denture-related stomatitis. Zinc (Zn), a widely used metallic antibacterial agent, can induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, thereby inhibiting microbial growth and proliferation; studies, however, are lacking. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the antibacterial and antibiofilm function of Zn 2+ against S aureus and S mutans and assess gene expression changes to clarify its inhibitory mechanisms. Material and methods Zn 2+ at one-fourth minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), one-half MIC, and MIC was co-cultured with the bacteria. Membrane integrity was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity and live-dead staining. The oxidative stress mechanism was assessed by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity was evaluated using agarose gel electrophoresis. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing combined with gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) bioinformatics analyses was performed to identify Zn²⁺-affected molecular pathways. The effect of Zn 2+ on key gene expression in S aureus and S mutans was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results In S aureus , Zn 2+ upregulated ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and disrupted oxidative phosphorylation, which indicated the induction of oxidative stress and caused bacterial death. In S mutans , Zn 2+ interfered with metabolic pathways by targeting 2-component systems (TCS), weakening acid resistance, impairing biofilm adhesion, and disrupting cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis, ultimately resulting in bacterial death. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with those of GO and KEGG analyses. Conclusions Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in S aureus were primarily enriched in pathways related to DNA replication, mismatch repair, and oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting that Zn 2+ co-culture significantly affected genetic stability and redox-associated cellular functions. In contrast, DEGs in S mutans were predominantly involved in microbial metabolism, molecular systems, and bioadhesion pathways, with no significant changes in oxidative stress markers.
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CARIES RESEARCH
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2018
·Vol. 53
·期 2
·176-193
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IF 2.188
Xiang Shao-Wen,Shao Jun,He Jian,Wu Xin-Yu,Xu Xiao-Hu,Zhao Wang-Hong
Streptococcus mutans, the primary cause of dental caries, takes up carbohydrates through the phosphoenolpyruvate sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS). This study aimed to identify a novel membrane-targeted antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that could also target the L-ascorbate-specific PtxA component of the S. mutans PTS system. C10-KKWW was identified and selected using virtual screening of a lipopeptide library, a minimum inhibiting concentration (MIC) assay, cytotoxicity assays and a hemolysis assay. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed that C10-KKWW had a high binding affinity for PtxA. Combining with scanning electron microscopy and cell permeability assay, it was shown that the effects of C10-KKWW could be attributed to both membrane and PtxA. Wild type (WT) S. mutans, a ptxA deletion mutant (ΔptxA), and a mutant-complemented strain (CptxA), were cultured consistently in brain heart infusion (BHI) medium, tryptone-vitamin medium supplemented with 15 mM L-ascorbate (TVL), or for 5 h in BHI supplemented with 7.4 mM sodium L-ascorbate. Compared to ∆ptxA, in WT S. mutans and CptxA, C10-KKWW had a stronger MIC (3.9 μg/mL), and distinctively decreased biofilm viability. The extracellular concentrations of L-ascorbate/sodium L-ascorbate were not changed before and after WT treated with C10-KKWW. L-ascorbate-induced operon genes, or other PTS genes, were significantly suppressed by C10-KKWW. In conclusion, C10-KKWW has been developed; it acts through interaction with the bacterial membrane and interferes with L-ascorbate translocation to inhibit S. mutans growth and eradicate its biofilm. C10-KKWW may be especially effective at optimal oral ascorbate levels. A combination of C10-KKWW with sodium L-ascorbate might also be a novel strategy for dental caries treatment
研究领域:
微生物学
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口腔医学
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分子生物学
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RSC Advances
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2022
·Vol. 12
·期 7
·4072-4080
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IF 4.036
Mengyun Zhang,Ying Liao,Xin Tong,Fuhua Yan
Caries is the most common chronic infectious disease in the human oral cavity and the existing anti-caries agents may lead to drug resistance and microecological imbalance. A novel urea derivative, 1,3-bis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]urea, has a potentially prominent antibacterial effect on cariogenic bacterial strain Streptococcus mutans UA159. In this study, we encapsulated the water-insoluble urea derivative in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles, performed physicochemical characterizations and explored its potential as a caries-preventive agent. The results showed that the drug-loaded PLGA nanoparticles exhibited satisfying surface morphology, particle size, size distribution and stability. With an optimized theoretical drug loading (10%), the drug-loaded PLGA nanoparticles exhibited negligible cytotoxicity against human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. We noticed a biphasic drug release in vitro and the rate and cumulative release was higher in an acidic environment (pH 4.5) compared to a neutral environment (pH 7.4). The drug-loaded PLGA nanoparticles significantly inhibited the growth and lactic acid production of planktonic S. mutans as well as S. mutans biofilms. Our results indicate that the novel urea derivative-loaded PLGA nanoparticles serve as a promising anti-caries agent with remarkable pharmaceutical characteristics, low cytotoxicity, and satisfying antimicrobial effect.
研究领域:
口腔医学
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药剂学
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材料科学
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PubMed
高影响因子
npj Science of Food
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2026
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IF 9.7
Luo Si-Chen,Hu Peng-Fei,Wei Si-Min,Li Xiao-Lin,Yang Qiong-Qiong,Wong Ka-Hing,Zhang Bo-Bo
Dental caries is a highly prevalent non-communicable disease driven by dysbiosis of the oral microbiota, in which Streptococcus (S.) mutans plays a keystone role. We discovered that cell-free supernatant (CFS) from food-associated Lacticaseibacillus (L.) paracasei disrupts S. mutans membranes, causing leakage, reduced viability, and decreased surface hydrophobicity. CFS also inhibits biofilms by decreasing biomass, metabolic activity, chain length, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) accumulation. Neutralization experiments revealed organic acids as the primary antibacterial factors: activity weakened at pH > 6 but remained stable after heating and long-term storage. In a hydroxyapatite disc model, CFS markedly suppressed biofilm formation and reduced free calcium release, indicating lower cariogenic potential. Transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of virulence and quorum-sensing genes (including sts R, gbp A, gbp B, scr B, ldh , agu B, atp A, atp D, lux S, cia R, cia H, and cia X), while metabolomic studies identified creatine and phosphoenolpyruvate as key metabolites linked to these pathways. Our findings demonstrate that L. paracasei postbiotics can act as stable, food-compatible ingredients to modulate cariogenic biofilms, providing a mechanistic basis for developing next-generation postbiotic-based oral care and functional food products. This work connects the science of food-derived postbiotics with oral health, contributing to a One Health approach to caries prevention.
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JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN MEDICINE
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2017
·Vol. 28
·期 1
·1-8
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IF 2.325
Wang Shilei,Wu Jie,Yang Hao,Liu Xiangyu,Huang Qiaomu,Lu Zhong
Dental caries is a widespread disease mainly caused by the anaerobic oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans ). Ag/ZnO nanocomposite is an efficient antibacterial agent because of its high antibacterial activity and low cytotoxicity. In this study, rod-like Ag/ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized through a deposition-precipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The activity of Ag/ZnO nanocomposite against S. mutans was evaluated by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration and growth inhibition curve. The results showed that Ag/ZnO nanocomposite displayed higher activity against S. mutans compared with pure ZnO nanorods. Moreover, the antibacterial mechanism was investigated by determining the bacterial membrane potential, release of K + , intracellular reactive oxygen generation and lipid peroxidation. Disruption of membrane function and oxidation of biomacromolecules played important role in the antibacterial action of Ag/ZnO nanocomposite. This work proposes a potentially effective dental antibacterial agent against the dental caries-causing S. mutans .
研究领域:
微生物学
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材料科学
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牙医学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
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2024
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IF 3.3
Kaviya Selvaraj,Lekha Sree Venkatesan,Dhanraj Ganapathy,Palanivel Sathishkumar
Biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are highly attracted as a biocompatible nanodrug to treat various diseased conditions in humans. In this study, phytochemical tannic acid-mediated AuNPs (TA-AuNPs) are successfully synthesized and tested for antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against dental biofilm-forming Streptococcus mutans biofilm. The synthesized TA-AuNPs are appeared as spherical in shape with an average size of 19 nm. The antibacterial potential of TA-AuNPs was evaluated using ZOI and MIC measurements; while, antibiofilm efficacy was measured by checking the eradication of preformed biofilm on the tooth model. The ZOI and MIC values for TA-AuNPs are 25 mm in diameter and 4 μg/mL, respectively. The MTT assay, CLSM, and SEM results demonstrate that the preformed S. mutans biofilm is completely eradicated at 4xMIC (16 μg/mL) of TA-AuNPs. Finally, the present study reveals that the synthesized TA-AuNPs might be a great therapeutic drug to treat dental biofilm-forming bacterium S. mutans.
研究领域:
微生物学
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纳米医学
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口腔医学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CARBON
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2025
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IF 11.6
Yiyang Wang,Menghan Zhang,Lingling Huang,Yue Tang,Shanshan Liu,Jiexing Liu,Yao Wang,Shaohuang Weng,Xiaofeng Zhu
Dental caries is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections in humans, primarily caused by Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans ) and the biofilms formed on tooth surfaces. Efficient and easily implementable preventive strategies for dental caries are still needed. In this study, we synthesized guanidination carbon dots (HG-CDs) bearing guanidine and quaternary ammonium groups via a melting strategy. The HG-CDs, with an average particle size of ∼3 nm and a positive zeta potential of +11.8 mV, exhibited strong binding and deep penetration into S. mutans biofilms, leading to significant inhibition of biofilm growth, with biofilm biomass reduced by approximately 90 %, and inducing bacterial lysis. Transcriptomic and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that HG-CDs markedly downregulated key carbohydrate metabolism genes ( gbpB , the gtf family, and ftf ), thereby blocking exopolysaccharide synthesis and preventing biofilm reconstruction. In ex vivo tooth model, HG-CDs effectively eradicated established biofilms. In vivo , similar to that of CHX treatment, HG-CDs delivered via a mouthwash approach significantly reduced the incidence of early and moderate pit-and-fissure caries in molars, while HG-CDs treatment notably delayed lesion progression. Collectively, HG-CDs integrate efficient antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anticaries capabilities, paving a practical path for developing an advanced oral care formulations and holding significant translational promise for intervening in oral infectious diseases especially for dental caries.
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高影响因子
ARCHIVES OF ORAL BIOLOGY
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2015
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IF 1.735
Yu-Ting Xu,Qiong Wu,Ya-Ming Chen,Roger J. Smales,Shu-Ya Shi,Meng-Ting Wang
Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects on a cariogenic biofilm of a bioactive glass (BAG) combined with either sodium fluoride (NaF) or triclosan (TCS). Design According to minimal bactericidal concentrations, 37.5 mg/ml of BAG, 4.69 mg/ml of NaF, and 15.53 μg/ml of TCS solutions were prepared. When used alone, the three antimicrobial solutions were increased to double-dosage strength (2MBC). The study contained the following experimental groups: group 1, BAG (2MBC); group 2, NaF (2MBC); group 3, TCS (2MBC); group 4, BAG + NaF; group 5, BAG + TCS; group 6, control (saline). Streptococcus mutans biofilm was cultured with 0.1% sucrose anaerobically on 66 sterilized coverslips (1 × 1 cm 2 ) for 24 h uninterrupted. After 10 min of exposure to the experimental groups, the microbial kinetics, morphology, and viability of the S. mutans biofilms were assessed by evaluation of colony-forming units (CFUs), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Results BAG (2MBC) used alone showed significantly stronger antibacterial effects than the other two antimicrobials used alone. The combination groups also displayed the same or greater biofilm inactivation effects as BAG (2MBC) in the plate count test. SEM showed smaller stacks (towers) and fewer surrounding bacteria in groups BAG (2MBC), BAG + NaF, and BAG + TCS. Confocal microscopy also determined higher live/dead ratios in groups NaF (2MBC), TCS (2MBC), and control than in groups BAG (2MBC), BAG + NaF, and BAG + TCS. Conclusions The combinations of BAG with either NaF or TCS enhanced the inactivation effects of BAG (2MBC) on S. mutans biofilm, and these findings should be further investigated clinically for the control of dental biofilms.
研究领域:
口腔医学
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微生物学
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材料科学
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高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）