scholarly journals Effects of Norspermidine on Dual‐Species Biofilms Composed of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Yan Sun ◽  
Yihuai Pan ◽  
Yu Sun ◽  
Mingyun Li ◽  
Shengbin Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Acid Production ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Extracellular Polysaccharides ◽  
Streptococcus Sanguinis ◽  
Crystal Violet Assay ◽  
Sem Imaging

The present study aimed at investigating the influence of norspermidine on the formation of dual-species biofilms composed of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis). Crystal violet assay was conducted to assess the formation of single-species biofilms of S. mutans and S. sanguinis, and the growth curve was carefully observed to monitor the growth of these two species of bacteria. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and MTT array were used to analyze the composition and metabolic activity of the dual-species biofilms, respectively. Extracellular polysaccharides (EPS)/bacteria staining, anthrone method, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging were conducted to study the synthesis of EPS by dual-species biofilms. Lactic acid assay and pH were measured to detect dual-species biofilm acid production. We found that norspermidine had different effects on S. mutans and S. sanguinis including their growth and biofilm formation. Norspermidine regulated the composition of the dual-species biofilms, decreased the ratio of S. mutans in dual-species biofilms, and reduced the metabolic activity, EPS synthesis, and acid production of dual-species biofilms. Norspermidine regulated dual-species biofilms in an ecological way, suggesting that it may be a potent reagent for controlling dental biofilms and managing dental caries.

scholarly journals The Inhibitory Effects of Ficin on Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Yan Sun ◽  
Wentao Jiang ◽  
Mingzheng Zhang ◽  
Lingjun Zhang ◽  
Yan Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Crystal Violet ◽  
Mtt Assay ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Acid Production ◽  
Extracellular Proteins ◽  
Crystal Violet Assay

To investigate the effects of ficin on biofilm formation of conditionally cariogenic Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Biomass and metabolic activity of biofilm were assessed using crystal violet assay, colony-forming unit (CFU) counting, and MTT assay. Extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) synthesis was displayed by SEM imaging, bacteria/EPS staining, and anthrone method while acid production was revealed by lactic acid assay. Growth curve and live/dead bacterial staining were conducted to monitor bacterial growth state in both planktonic and biofilm form. Total protein and extracellular proteins of S. mutans biofilm were analyzed by protein/bacterial staining and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), severally. qRT-PCR was conducted to detect acid production, acid tolerance, and biofilm formation associated genes. Crystal violet assay, CFU counting, and MTT assay showed that the suppression effect of ficin on S. mutans biofilm formation was concentration dependent. 4 mg/mL ficin had significant inhibitory effect on S. mutans biofilm formation including biomass, metabolic activity, EPS synthesis, and lactic acid production ( p < 0.05 ). The growth curves from 0 mg/mL to 4 mg/mL ficin were aligned with each other. There was no significant difference among different ficin groups in terms of live/dead bacterial staining result ( p > 0.05 ). Protein/bacterial staining outcome indicated that ficin inhibit both total protein and biofilm formation during the biofilm development. There were more relatively small molecular weight protein bands in extracellular proteins of 4 mg/mL ficin group when compared with the control. Generally, ficin could inhibit biofilm formation and reduce cariogenic virulence of S. mutans effectively in vitro; thus, it could be a potential anticaries agent.

scholarly journals The vicK gene of Streptococcus mutans mediates its cariogenicity via exopolysaccharides metabolism

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yalan Deng ◽  
Yingming Yang ◽  
Bin Zhang ◽  
Hong Chen ◽  
Yangyu Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Extracellular Polysaccharides ◽  
Confocal Laser

AbstractStreptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is generally regarded as a major contributor to dental caries because of its ability to synthesize extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) that aid in the formation of plaque biofilm. The VicRKX system of S. mutans plays an important role in biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vicK gene on specific characteristics of EPS in S. mutans biofilm. We constructed single-species biofilms formed by different mutants of vicK gene. Production and distribution of EPS were detected through atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Microcosmic structures of EPS were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cariogenicity of the vicK mutant was assessed in a specific pathogen-free rat model. Transcriptional levels of cariogenicity-associated genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that deletion of vicK gene suppressed biofilm formation as well as EPS production, and EPS were synthesized mostly around the cells. Molecular weight and monosaccharide components underwent evident alterations. Biofilms formed in vivo were sparse and contributed a decreased degree of caries. Moreover, expressional levels of genes related to EPS synthesis were down-regulated, except for gtfB. Our report demonstrates that vicK gene enhances biofilm formation and subsequent caries development. And this may due to its regulations on EPS metabolism, like synthesis or microcosmic features of EPS. This study suggests that vicK gene and EPS can be considered as promising targets to modulate dental caries.

scholarly journals Ursolic Acid Targets Glucosyltransferase and Inhibits Its Activity to Prevent Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yucui Liu ◽  
Yanxin Huang ◽  
Cong Fan ◽  
Zhongmei Chi ◽  
Miao Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Ursolic Acid ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Natural Compound ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Extracellular Polysaccharides ◽  
Virulence Determinants ◽  
Pentacyclic Triterpene ◽  
Catalytic Center

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), the prime pathogen of dental caries, can secrete glucosyltransferases (GTFs) to synthesize extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), which are the virulence determinants of cariogenic biofilms. Ursolic acid, a type of pentacyclic triterpene natural compound, has shown potential antibiofilm effects on S. mutans. To investigate the mechanisms of ursolic acid-mediated inhibition of S. mutans biofilm formation, we first demonstrated that ursolic acid could decrease the viability and structural integrity of biofilms, as evidenced by XTT, crystal violet, and live/dead staining assays. Then, we further revealed that ursolic acid could compete with the inherent substrate to occupy the catalytic center of GTFs to inhibit EPS formation, and this was confirmed by GTF activity assays, computer simulations, site-directed mutagenesis, and capillary electrophoresis (CE). In conclusion, ursolic acid can decrease bacterial viability and prevent S. mutans biofilm formation by binding and inhibiting the activity of GTFs.

scholarly journals Competition and Caries on Enamel of a Dual-Species Biofilm Model with Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (21) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Díaz-Garrido ◽  
Carla P. Lozano ◽  
Jens Kreth ◽  
Rodrigo A. Giacaman
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Viable Count ◽  
Noncommunicable Disease ◽  
Continuous Exposure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Streptococcus Sanguinis ◽  
Dental Biofilm ◽  
Intense Competition ◽  
Dental Surface

ABSTRACT Imbalances within the dental biofilm trigger dental caries, currently considered a dysbiosis and the most prevalent noncommunicable disease. There is still a gap in knowledge about the dynamics of enamel colonization by bacteria from the dental biofilm in caries. The aim, therefore, was to test whether the sequence of enamel colonization by a typically commensal and a cariogenic species modifies biofilm’s cariogenicity. Dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis on saliva-coated enamel slabs were inoculated in different sequences: S. mutans followed by S. sanguinis (Sm-Ss), S. sanguinis followed by S. mutans (Ss-Sm), S. mutans and S. sanguinis inoculated at the same time (Sm=Ss), and the single-species controls S. mutans followed by S. mutans (Sm-Sm) and S. sanguinis followed by S. sanguinis (Ss-Ss). Biofilms were exposed to 10% sucrose 3 times per day for 5 days, and the slabs/biofilms were retrieved to assess demineralization, viable cells, biomass, proteins, polysaccharides, and H2O2 production. Compared with Sm-Sm, primary inoculation with S. sanguinis reduced demineralization (P < 0.05). Both Ss-Sm and Sm=Ss sequences showed reduction in biomass, protein, and polysaccharide content (P < 0.05). The highest S. sanguinis viable count and H2O2 production level and the lowest acidogenicity were observed when S. sanguinis colonized enamel before S. mutans (P < 0.05). Initial enamel adherence with commensal biofilms seems to induce more intense competition against more typically cariogenic species, reducing cariogenicity. IMPORTANCE The concept of caries as an ecological disease implies the understanding of the intricate relationships among the populating microorganisms. Under frequent sugar exposure, some bacteria from the dental biofilm develop pathogenic traits that lead to imbalances (dysbiosis). Depending on which microorganism colonizes the dental surface first, different competition strategies may be developed. Studying the interactions in the entire dental biofilm is not an easy task. In this study, therefore, we modeled the interplay among these microorganisms using a caries-inducing species (S. mutans) and a health-associated species (S. sanguinis). Initial enamel adherence with S. sanguinis seems to induce more intense competition against typically caries-inducing species. Besides continuous exposure with sugars, early colonization of the enamel by highly cariogenic species like S. mutans appears to be needed to develop caries lesions as well. Promoting early colonization by health-associated bacteria such as S. sanguinis could help to maintain oral health, delaying dysbiosis.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Alternative Methods to Assess the Biological Properties of Propolis on Metabolic Activity and Biofilm Formation in Streptococcus mutans

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jorge Jesús Veloz ◽  
Marysol Alvear ◽  
Luis A. Salazar
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Confocal Microscopy ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Crystal Violet ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Flow Cytometry Analysis

Several biological activities have been reported for the Chilean propolis, among their antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties, due to its high polyphenol content. In this study, we evaluate alternative methods to assess the effect of Chilean propolis on biofilm formation and metabolic activity of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), a major cariogenic agent in oral cavity. Biofilm formation was studied by using crystal violet and by confocal microscopy. The metabolic activity of biofilm was evaluated by MTT and by flow cytometry analysis. The results show that propolis reduces biofilm formation and biofilm metabolic activity in S. mutans. When the variability of the methods to measure biofilm formation was compared, the coefficient of variation (CV) fluctuated between 12.8 and 23.1% when using crystal violet methodology. On the other hand, the CV ranged between 2.2 and 3.3% with confocal microscopy analysis. The CV for biofilm’s metabolic activity measured by MTT methodology ranged between 5.0 and 11.6%, in comparison with 1.9 to 3.2% when flow cytometry analysis was used. Besides, it is possible to conclude that the methods based on colored compounds presented lower precision to study the effect of propolis on biofilm properties. Therefore, we recommend the use of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy in S. mutans biofilm analysis.

scholarly journals Candida guilliermondii Complex Is Characterized by High Antifungal Resistance but Low Mortality in 22 Cases of Candidemia

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Judith Marcos-Zambrano ◽  
Mireia Puig-Asensio ◽  
Felipe Pérez-García ◽  
Pilar Escribano ◽  
Carlos Sánchez-Carrillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Candida Guilliermondii ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Content Model ◽  
Crystal Violet Assay

ABSTRACT The objectives of our study were to describe the characteristics of patients with Candida guilliermondii candidemia and to perform an in-depth microbiological characterization of isolates and compare them with those of patients with C. albicans candidemia. We described the risk factors and outcomes of 22 patients with candidemia caused by the C. guilliermondii complex. Incident isolates were identified using molecular techniques, and susceptibility to fluconazole, anidulafungin, and micafungin was studied. Biofilm formation was measured using the crystal violet assay (biomass production) and the XTT reduction assay (metabolic activity), and virulence was studied using the Galleria mellonella model. Biofilm formation was compared with that observed for C. albicans. The main conditions predisposing to infection were malignancy (68%), immunosuppressive therapy (59%), and neutropenia (18%). Clinical presentation of candidemia was less severe in patients infected by the C. guilliermondii complex than in patients infected by C. albicans, and 30-day mortality was lower in C. guilliermondii patients (13.6% versus 33.9%, respectively; P = 0.049). Isolates were identified as C. guilliermondii sensu stricto (n = 17) and Candida fermentati (n = 5). The isolates produced biofilms with low metabolic activity and moderate biomass. The G. mellonella model showed that C. guilliermondii was less virulent than C. albicans (mean of 6 days versus 1 day of survival, respectively; P < 0.001). Patients with candidemia caused by the C. guilliermondii complex had severe and debilitating underlying conditions. Overall, the isolates showed diminished susceptibility to fluconazole and echinocandins, although poor biofilm formation and the low virulence were associated with a favorable outcome.

scholarly journals Baicalein Inhibits Streptococcus mutans Biofilms and Dental Caries-Related Virulence Phenotypes

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 215
Author(s):  
Aparna Vijayakumar ◽  
Hema Bhagavathi Sarveswari ◽  
Sahana Vasudevan ◽  
Karthi Shanmugam ◽  
Adline Princy Solomon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Acid Production ◽  
Cell Surface Hydrophobicity ◽  
Surface Hydrophobicity ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Surface Attachment ◽  
First Time

Dental caries, the most common oral disease, is a major public healthcare burden and affects more than three billion people worldwide. The contemporary understanding of the need for a healthy microbiome and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance has resulted in an urgent need to identify compounds that curb the virulence of pathobionts without microbial killing. Through this study, we have demonstrated for the first time that 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone (Baicalein) significantly downregulates crucial caries-related virulence phenotypes in Streptococcus mutans. Baicalein significantly inhibited biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans UA159 (MBIC50 = 200 μM), without significant growth inhibition. Notably, these concentrations of baicalein did not affect the commensal S. gordonii. Strikingly, baicalein significantly reduced cell surface hydrophobicity, autoaggregation and acid production by S. mutans. Mechanistic studies (qRT-PCR) showed downregulation of various genes regulating biofilm formation, surface attachment, quorum sensing, acid production and competence. Finally, we demonstrate the potential translational value of baicalein by reporting synergistic interaction with fluoride against S. mutans biofilms.

scholarly journals Molecular mechanisms of inhibiting glucosyltransferases for biofilm formation in Streptococcus mutans

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiong Zhang ◽  
Qizhao Ma ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Hui Wu ◽  
Jing Zou
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Extracellular Polysaccharides ◽  
Combination Strategies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Virulence Property ◽  
Inhibitory Molecules

AbstractGlucosyltransferases (Gtfs) play critical roles in the etiology and pathogenesis of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans)- mediated dental caries including early childhood caries. Gtfs enhance the biofilm formation and promotes colonization of cariogenic bacteria by generating biofilm extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), the key virulence property in the cariogenic process. Therefore, Gtfs have become an appealing target for effective therapeutic interventions that inhibit cariogenic biofilms. Importantly, targeting Gtfs selectively impairs the S. mutans virulence without affecting S. mutans existence or the existence of other species in the oral cavity. Over the past decade, numerous Gtfs inhibitory molecules have been identified, mainly including natural and synthetic compounds and their derivatives, antibodies, and metal ions. These therapeutic agents exert their inhibitory role in inhibiting the expression gtf genes and the activities and secretion of Gtfs enzymes with a wide range of sensitivity and effectiveness. Understanding molecular mechanisms of inhibiting Gtfs will contribute to instructing drug combination strategies, which is more effective for inhibiting Gtfs than one drug or class of drugs. This review highlights our current understanding of Gtfs activities and their potential utility, and discusses challenges and opportunities for future exploration of Gtfs as a therapeutic target.

scholarly journals Effects of resveratrol on cariogenic virulence properties of Streptococcus mutans

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinheng Li ◽  
Tiantian Wu ◽  
Weiwei Peng ◽  
yaqin zhu
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Acid Production ◽  
Virulence Gene ◽  
Acid Tolerance ◽  
Extracellular Polysaccharide ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Virulence Gene Expression ◽  
Virulence Properties

Abstract Background: Streptococcus mutans is the principal etiological agent of human dental caries. The major virulence factors of S. mutans are acid production, acid tolerance, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) synthesis and biofilm formation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of resveratrol, a natural compound, on virulence properties of S. mutans . Results: Resveratrol at sub-MIC levels significantly decreased acid production and acid tolerance, inhibited synthesis of water-soluble polysaccharide and water-insoluble polysaccharide, compromised biofilm formation. Related virulence gene expression ( ldh, relA, gtfC, comDE ) was down-regulated with increasing concentrations of resveratrol. Conclusions : Resveratrol has an inhibitory effect on S. mutans cariogenic virulence properties and it represents a promising anticariogenic agent. Keywords : resveratrol, Streptococcus mutans , acidogenicity, aciduricity, extracellular polysaccharide, biofilm

scholarly journals The potency of cajuputs candy in maintaining the competitive capacity of Streptococcus sanguinis upon Streptococcus mutans

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christofora Hanny Wijaya ◽  
Bernadeta RE Sari ◽  
Boy M Bachtiar
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Volatile Compounds ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Dna Amount ◽  
Biofilm Inhibition ◽  
Oral Flora ◽  
Streptococcus Sanguinis ◽  
Total Dna

Streptococcus mutans were competing Streptococcus sanguinis in biofilm formation. As pioneer colonizer, S. sanguinis were able to control S. mutans growth. This study was aimed to explore the ability of sucrose and non-sucrose cajuputs candies (SCC and NSCC) in maintaining the antagonistic relationship between the indigenous oral flora when they grew as dual-species biofilms (S. sanguinis and S. mutans). The flavored candies (SCC and NSCC) contained cajuput and peppermint oils as the flavor which the volatile compounds had been identified. The unflavored candies were made similar to the flavored candy but excluding the flavor. The flavored candies, unflavored candies, and the control were exposed in vitro to the biofilms. The biofilms were examined for biofilm inhibition capacity, DNA amount, and the expression level of spxB mRNA. The biofilm inhibition by flavored candies were higher than the unflavored ones and were significantly different compared to the control. The flavored candies managed to decrease the total DNA amount in the biofilm, but unflavored samples did not. The qPCR assays showed that the exposure of candies did not alter the proportion of S. sanguinis DNA to S. mutans DNA in the biofilms. Meanwhile, spxB mRNA expression indicated the ability of S.sanguinis to control S. mutans growth.

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