Effects of a derivative of reutericin 6 and gassericin A on the biofilm ofStreptococcus mutansin vitro and caries prevention in vivo

作者：Liang, Jingheng; Liang, Dongsheng; Liang, Yuee; He, Jianing; Zuo, Shiya; Zhao, Wanghong^*

来源：Odontology, 2021, 109(1): 53-66.

DOI：10.1007/s10266-020-00529-5

• Dental caries
• Antimicrobial
• Biofilm
• Streptococcus mutans
• Peptide

It is known thatStreptococcus mutans(S. mutans) is the leading cariogenic pathogen. Recently, an increasing number of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been brought into consideration as anti-caries agents. Here, we designed and synthesized an AMP derived from reutericin 6 and/or gassericin A, namedLN-7, and explored its effect on biofilm ofS. mutansUA159 in vitro and development of dental caries in vivo. Antibacterial assays showed thatLN-7was more active againstS. mutans(3.2 mu M) than many peptide-based agents, capable of killing other types of Streptococci in oral cavity. In addition,LN-7presented fast killing kinetics, with more than 97%S. mutanskilled within 5 min. The mechanism of the antimicrobial activity mainly lies on the disruption of bacterial membrane. Effects ofLN-7on the biofilm formation and the viability of preformed biofilm were quantified by crystal violet staining, which showed thatLN-7could effectively inhibit the biofilm accumulation ofS. mutans. Moreover, the biofilm ofS. mutanstreated withLN-7displayed notable changes in bacterial viability and morphology, observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, topical oral treatment withLN-7could suppress the development of dental caries in vivo, reducing the occurrence of severe dental lesion in a rodent model. These results reveal a new peptide-based agent as a topical treatment for dental caries, opening the door to clinical studies to explore its potential for caries prevention.

• 单位
  中山大学; 南方医科大学