In vitro AFM evaluation of Streptococcus mutans membrane exposed to two mouthwashes.
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Date
2013-09
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Abstract
Streptococcus mutans is the primary microorganism of the dental plaque, which causes the caries disease. In
addition to tooth brushing, oral care products are usually recommended by dentists to reduce and prevent the
plaque formation. The objective of this work was to assess via atomic force microscopy the Streptococcus mutans
membrane exposed to two mouthwashes, one containing triclosan, and the other, phenolic essential oils. S.
mutans were cultured in brain and heart infusion during 48 hours at 37C. The pellets were harvested by
centrifugation (2500 rpm, 3 min), and re-suspended in 4 mL mouthwash. One minute later, the bacterial cells
were washed twice times by centrifugation (2500 rpm, 3 min) using saline solution (0.9% NaCl). The cell mass
was gently spread over clean glass coverslip and evaluated by atomic force microscopy, in dynamic mode. For
microorganisms not exposed to mouthwashes, images showed clustered microcolonies with round-shaped cells in
typical string arrangement. Measured mean diameter varied between 0.6 μm and 1.0 μm. Exposure to phenolic
essential oils caused no perceptible alterations in the bacterial cells. However, after exposure to triclosan, cell
membranes were slightly wrinkled, probably due to the structural perturbations caused in the membrane
permeability.
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Keywords
Streptococcus mutans, mouthwashes, antibacterial compounds, atomic force microscopy
Citation
Orasmo Edilaine A C, Miyakawa Walter, Otani Choyu, Khouri Sonia. In vitro AFM evaluation of Streptococcus mutans membrane exposed to two mouthwashes. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2013 Sept; 3(9): 24-28.