Biomimetic Approach to Counter Streptococcus mutans Biofilm: An In Vitro Study on Seashells

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the anti-adherent property of the seashell surface and periostracum to prevent the formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilm. Materials and methodsThe seashells were initially collected from the natural urban beach, and an antibiofilm assay of the shells with and without periostracum was performed against Streptococcus mutans. Furthermore, the seashells were analyzed with a stylus profilometer (Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-301, Mitutoyo America Corporation, Illinois, USA), atomic force microscope (AFM; Nanosurf Easyscan 2, Nanosurf Inc., USA), contact angle assessment, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM; JEOL USA, Inc., FE-SEM IT800, Massachusetts, USA) analysis. The ability of seashells to prevent the attachment of Streptococcus mutans and form a biofilm with and without periostracum was studied by crystal violet assay. ResultsThe results revealed that shells without periostracum promoted higher biofilm formation when compared to those having intact periostracum (by 15%, p<0.001). Shell 1 showed the highest biofilm formation, whereas shell 3 showed the least biofilm formation due to the differences in their surface morphologies. The remaining shells (4, 2, 6, and 5) showed interspersed biofilm formation. ConclusionIn summary, our study was able to correlate the topologies of the shell surface with the biofilm formed by Streptococcus mutans with the wetting behavior of those shell surfaces and their roughness. More hydrophobic surfaces (with intact periostracum) were observed to lead to less attachment (correlation coefficient=-0.67). This study can pave the way for designing such biomimetic surfaces to prevent bacterial attachment.

Exploring Periostracum as an Alternative Root Canal Irrigant: Insights From Zebrafish Embryo Experiments

“…Research by Scardino et al emphasizes the significance of an intact periostracum in reducing fouling activity [32]. Studies simulating microtopographical features akin to mussel shells have unveiled their capacity to discourage fouling, offering valuable insights into natural defense mechanisms [33]. Employing biomimicry to replicate such surfaces enables a deeper understanding of their impact, free from chemical or mechanical interventions.…”