Antimicrobial Peptides May Help in Biofilm Management
Plant Based Antimicrobial Peptides Show Promise in Managing Biofilm Clinicians have a choice of therapies to manage oral biofilm, and researchers from the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) School of Dental Medicine are suggesting one more, as they report plant based
Antimicrobial Peptides May Help in Biofilm Management
Clinicians have a choice of therapies to manage oral biofilm, and researchers from the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) School of Dental Medicine are suggesting one more, as they report plant-based antimicrobial peptides may be equally effective in controlling plaque as existing treatments. Published in Biomaterials, the study, “Topical Delivery of Low-Cost Protein Drug Candidates Made in Chloroplasts for Biofilm Disruption and Uptake by Oral Epithelial Cells,” explores the use of a plant-derived protein drug to inhibit accumulations of oral biofilm. The research also suggests that the peptides gained effectiveness when combined with an enzyme that degrades the biofilm-hosting matrix.
Besides being a cost-effective, noninvasive way to manage biofilm, the authors note this delivery method could be effective for treating periodontal conditions through the promotion of wound healing and/or bone regeneration. In the study, the plant-derived protein was applied topically to a saliva-coated, tooth-like substance, where it impaired the formation of oral biofilm. A combination of the plant protein and matrix-degrading enzyme proved powerful, as well, degrading up to 60% of the biofilm matrix after a single application.
Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter
November 2016
