The Effect of Essential Oils and Bioactive Fractions onStreptococcus mutansandCandida albicansBiofilms: A Confocal Analysis

Abstract

The essential oils (EO) and bioactive fractions (BF) from Aloysia gratissima, Baccharis dracunculifolia, Coriandrum sativum, Cyperus articulatus, and Lippia sidoides were proven to have strong antimicrobial activity on planktonic microorganisms; however, little is known about their effects on the morphology or viability of oral biofilms. Previously, we determined the EO/fractions with the best antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Candida spp. In this report, we used a confocal analysis to investigate the effect of these EO and BF on the morphology of S. mutans biofilms (thickness, biovolume, and architecture) and on the metabolic viability of C. albicans biofilms. The analysis of intact treated S. mutans biofilms showed no statistical difference for thickness in all groups compared to the control. However, a significant reduction in the biovolume of extracellular polysaccharides and bacteria was observed for A. gratissima and L. sidoides groups, indicating that these BF disrupt biofilm integrity and may have created porosity in the biofilm. This phenomenon could potentially result in a weakened structure and affect biofilm dynamics. Finally, C. sativum EO drastically affected C. albicans viability when compared to the control. These results highlight the promising antimicrobial activity of these plant species and support future translational research on the treatment of dental caries and oral candidiasis.

Antifungal potential ofSideroxylon obtusifoliumandSyzygium cuminiand their mode of action againstCandida albicans

“…For preparation of C. albicans biofilms, glass slides (324 mm 2 surface area) were immersed in 12-well flat-bottom plates (TPP, Trasadingen, Switzerland) containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Vitrocell Embriolife, Campinas, SP, Brazil), followed by incubation for 24 h at 35 C. Then the slides were washed with PBS to remove residual FBS and transferred to new plates containing the C. albicans suspension, followed by incubation for 90 min at 35 C. Subsequently, the slides were gently washed to ensure the removal of non-adhered cells before immersion in YNB medium containing the extract/bioactive fraction, vehicle and nystatin. The plates were incubated at 35 C for 48 h for biofilm formation (adapted from Kuhn et al 2002;Freires et al 2015). 72 h biofilm formation was not possible using this method as the biofilm pellicle on the slide turns to be thick and detaches from the surface after 48 h.…”

Impact of dental cement on the peri‐implant biofilm‐microbial comparison of two different cements in an in vivo observational study

“…34,35 Eugenol, an isolated compound of cloves oil (Syzygium aromaticum), also has an antimicrobial effect as have many essential oils. 36,37 Eugenol is able to inhibit the growth of a large number of microorganisms without being able to destroy them. 38,39 It has an antibacterial, antiviral as well as an antifungal effect.…”

Cement‐associated peri‐implant mucositis. A 1‐year follow‐up after excess cement removal on the peri‐implant tissue of dental implants

“…Zinc oxide eugenol cement, however, will dissolve in contact with liquid and therefore apparently does not lead to the long‐term retention of excess cement in the peri‐implant sulcus . In addition, zinc oxide and eugenol, the two main components, are supposed to have an antimicrobial effect …”

“…9,12 In addition, zinc oxide and eugenol, the two main components, are supposed to have an antimicrobial effect. [13][14][15][16] In cases of cement-associated peri-implantitis the removal of excess cement will lead to a noticeable decrease of inflammatory parameters in the peri-implant tissue. 8,17 As some cements, however, promote peri-implant inflammation also in the absence of excess cement, it remains unclear whether removing excess cement alone will lead to fewer signs of inflammation in the longer term.…”