Effect of LongZhang Gargle on Biofilm Formation and Acidogenicity of Streptococcus mutans In Vitro.
Streptococcus mutans, with the ability of high-rate acid production and strong biofilm formation, is considered the predominant bacterial species in the pathogenesis of human dental caries. Natural products which may be bioactive against S. mutans have become a hot spot to researches to control dental caries. LongZhang Gargle, completely made from Chinese herbs, was investigated for its effects on acid production and biofilm formation by S. mutans in this study. The results showed an antimicrobial activity of LongZhang Gargle against S. mutans planktonic growth at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16% and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 32%. Acid production was significantly inhibited at sub-MIC concentrations. Biofilm formation was also significantly disrupted, and 8% was the minimum concentration that resulted in at least 50% inhibition of biofilm formation (MBIC50). A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an effective disruption of LongZhang Gargle on S. mutans biofilm integrity. In addition, a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) suggested that the extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) synthesis could be inhibited by LongZhang Gargle at a relatively low concentration. These findings suggest that LongZhang Gargle may be a promising natural anticariogenic agent in that it suppresses planktonic growth, acid production, and biofilm formation against S. mutans.
State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Yutao
Y
Yang
State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Shiyu
S
Liu
State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Yuanli
Y
He
Wuhan First Hospital of Stomatology, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430065, China; Guiyang Hospital of Stomatology, Guiyang 550002, China.
Zhu
0000-0002-2234-044X
Z
Chen
State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Mingyun
0000-0001-7725-9772
M
Li
D000143:Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity
D000143:Acids; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial