Cytotoxicity and the effect of cationic peptide fragments against cariogenic bacteria under planktonic and biofilm conditions.
Kreling. Paula Fernanda PF; Aida. Kelly Limi KL; Massunari. Loiane L; Caiaffa. Karina Sampaio KS; Percinoto. Célio C; Bedran. Telma Blanca Lombardo TB; Spolidorio. Denise Madalena Palomari DM; Abuna. Gabriel Flores GF; Cilli. Eduardo Maffud EM; Duque. Cristiane C
Key Findings
- D1‑23 fragment showed strong bactericidal activity against S. mutans, S. mitis, and S. salivarius
- D1‑23 was not toxic to epithelial cells at low concentrations, similar to LL‑37 and chlorhexidine
- In biofilm assays, D1‑23 reduced S. mutans biofilm more effectively than chlorhexidine
- Combining peptide fragments did not produce synergistic effects
Practical Outcomes
- The D1‑23 fragment looks promising as a more effective, low‑toxicity oral antimicrobial, potentially useful for DIY mouth rinses or dental care products. Enthusiasts would need to obtain or synthesize the peptide and start with low doses, monitoring for any irritation. Further human safety data are needed before regular use.
Summary
Researchers tested pieces of the natural antimicrobial peptide LL‑37 and found that one fragment, called D1‑23, can kill the bacteria that cause cavities without harming human mouth cells, and it works even better than the common mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine in lab biofilm tests.
Abstract
This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and effect of fragments derived from three oral cationic peptides (CP): LL-37, D6-17 and D1-23 against cariogenic bacteria under planktonic and biofilm conditions. For cytotoxicity analysis, two epithelial cell lines were used. The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimal bactericidal concentration were determined for the CP fragments and the control (chlorhexidine-CHX) against cariogenic bacteria. The fractional inhibitory concentration was obtained for the combinations of CP fragments on Streptococcus mutans. Biofilm assays were conducted with the best antimicrobial CP fragment against S. mutans. The results indicated that D6-17 was not cytotoxic. D1-23, LL-37 and CHX were not cytotoxic in low concentrations. D1-23 presented the best bactericidal activity against S. mutans, S. mitis and S. salivarius. Combinations of CP fragments did not show a synergic effect. D1-23 presented a higher activity against S. mutans biofilm than CHX. It was concluded that D1-23 showed a substantial effect against cariogenic bacteria and low cytotoxicity.
Study Information
pubmed
2016
2016-08-18T00:00:00.000Z
10.1080/08927014.2016.1218850
31
49