The ability of cariogenic bacteria to form biofilms is one of the most frustrating and difficult obstacles researchers face in developing next-generation anticavity agents. Researches at the University of Pennsylvania have devised a new approach to disrupting these biofilms and killing the bacteria.
Biofilms derive their resilience to antiseptics from secreted extracellular polymers, which help the bacteria adhere to the tooth surface as well as to each other. These protein and polysaccharide chains are exceptionally durable and shield the bacteria from experiencing the full effect of most common antiseptics, while allowing the bacteria to maintain an acidic microenvironment around them.
The researchers wanted to use hydrogen peroxide, a highly antibacterial and easily available antiseptic to attack the biofilm structure, but on its own, this would require a very high concentration to be effective. Hydrogen peroxide produces free radicals, reactive oxygen species that damage cells by destroying the DNA. This process, however, can also irritate and damage the healthy oral mucosa. The researchers began investigating methods by which the effect of a weak solution of H2O2 might be boosted through application of a different compound.
A previously-studied iron-containing nanoparticle gathered interest, as it has enzyme-like activity. The researchers found that this activity increased as the pH became more acidic. The nanoparticle mimics the function of peroxidase to produce reactive oxygen species with a bacteria-killing efficacy of nearly 5000 times peroxide alone. In this state, the nanoparticle is active only in the acidic environment of the biofilm rather than the oral mucosa.
This nanoparticle allows for broad-spectrum antibacterial action in the presence of only a minimal amount of functional hydrogen peroxide. Experimental results show that more than 99.9 percent of Streptococcus mutans was killed in the first five minutes of treatment. Microscopic investigation showed that the intercellular components of the biofilm, the tough protein and sugar strands linking the bacteria, were also destroyed by the action of the compound.
The researchers report that this discovery is particularly exciting because of how inexpensive the ingredients are, costing just cents per dose. With refinement of the nanoparticles and further clinical trials, we could see a new anti-biofilm treatment on the horizon, whether for office or home use.
Source:
University of Pennsylvania. (2016, July 26). Nanoparticles used to break up plaque and prevent cavities. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 29, 2016 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160726131658.htm
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