Effect of a Berry Polyphenolic Fraction on Biofilm Formation, Adherence Properties and Gene Expression of Streptococcus mutans and Its Biocompatibility with Oral Epithelial Cells

Abstract

The ability of Streptococcus mutans to adhere to oral surfaces and form biofilm is a key step in the tooth decay process. The aim of this study was to investigate a berry (wild blueberry, cranberry, and strawberry) polyphenolic fraction, commercialized as Orophenol®, for its antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and anti-adhesion properties on S. mutans. Moreover, the biocompatibility of the fraction with human oral epithelial cells was assessed. Phenolic acids, flavonoids (flavonols, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols), and procyanidins made up 10.71%, 19.76%, and 5.29% of the berry polyphenolic fraction, respectively, as determined by chromatography and mass spectrometry. The berry polyphenolic preparation dose-dependently inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation while not reducing bacterial growth. At concentrations ranging from 250 to 1000 µg/mL, the fraction inhibited the adhesion of S. mutans to both saliva-coated hydroxyapatite and saliva-coated nickel–chrome alloy. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that incubating S. mutans with the berry polyphenolic fraction was associated with a reduced expression of luxS gene, which regulates quorum sensing in S. mutans. The berry fraction did not show any significant cytotoxicity in an oral epithelial cell model. In conclusion, Orophenol®, which is a mixture of polyphenols from wild blueberry, cranberry and strawberry, possesses interesting anti-caries properties while being compatible with oral epithelial cells.

Effects of a Berry Polyphenolic Fraction on the Pathogenic Properties of Porphyromonas gingivalis

“…In a previous study [ 22 ], we showed that at concentrations up to 500 μg/ml, the berry polyphenolic fraction did not significantly decrease the oral keratinocyte (B11 cell line) viability in a colorimetric MTT test. Treating the oral keratinocytes with P. gingivalis (MOI of 10 3 ) up-regulated ROS production by 2.3-fold ( Figure 7 ).…”

“…A stock solution was prepared in distilled water at a concentration of 10 mg/ml, was filter-sterilized (0.2-μm pore size membrane filter), and was kept at 4°C under darkness for up to 1 month. The phenolic content of the preparation was analyzed by chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques and has been detailed in a previous study [ 22 ]. In brief, phenolic acids, flavonoids (flavonols, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols), and procyanidins made up 10.71, 19.76, and 5.29% (w/w) of the berry polyphenolic preparation, respectively.…”

Mechanistic insights into the inhibitory effect of theaflavins on virulence factors production in Streptococcus mutans

“…The growing concerns of the side effects produced by the use of traditional antibacterial agents such as chlorhexidine and fluoride for the prevention of dental caries caused by S. mutans has shifted the public attention to natural products (Singla et al 2018 ; Souissi et al 2021 ; Vijayakumar et al 2021 ). As an example, baicalein, a flavonoid isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and Scutellaria lateriflora , is capable of inhibiting the biofilm formation, acid production, and cell surface hydrophobicity in S. mutans while without inhibiting its growth (Vijayakumar et al 2021 ).…”

“…S. mutans is capable of metabolizing the dietary carbohydrates to produce diverse organic acids that induce the demineralization of enamel, resulting in the progression of dental caries (Vijayakumar et al 2021 ). Furthermore, the robust ability to form biofilm and adapt to stressful conditions during host colonization enables S. mutans to adhere enduringly to the tooth surface and escape from elimination by general oral cleaning and care (Souissi et al 2021 ; Priya et al 2021 ). Therefore, inhibiting the biofilm formation of S. mutans is one important way for preventing dental caries development.…”

“…In contrast to the traditional antibacterial agents, use of the extracts from natural plants has been a preferable strategy for the prevention of dental caries (Singla et al 2018 ). As an example, previous studies showed that the extracts from Pistacia vera L. oleoresin and berry are capable of inhibiting the production of virulence factors and biofilm in S. mutans while not reducing bacterial growth (Magi et al 2018 ; Souissi et al 2021 ).…”