Effect of Nisin and Lactoferrin on the viability and production of volatile sulfur compounds in oral bacteria and development of chitosan nanoparticles as a sustained release system for topical oral application.

• Grant number: 22/11768-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Karina Cogo Müller
• Grantee: Iago Torres Cortês de Sousa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Halitosis is a term used to describe the emanation of unpleasant odors from the air exhaled throughthe mouth or upper airways. Its main cause is related to oral problems, which can affect up to 65% of the world population. Volatile Sulfide Compounds (VSCs), such as Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)), Methyl Mercaptan (CH3SH) and Dimethyl Sulfide [(CH3)2S)], produced mainly by the metabolism of Gramnegative oral bacteria, are the main gases identified in patients with halitosis. Given the absence of a standard therapy, it is necessary to search for new compounds, especially those with advantages in relation to the products available on the market. Substances such as nisin and lactoferrin have been investigated for their antimicrobial potential. As advantages, they have a broad spectrum of action, low ability to induce bacterial resistance, and relatively affordable cost. Therefore, this project aims to investigate the action of nisin and lactoferrin on the viability of oral bacteria associated with theinitial formation of biofilm and halitosis, verify the interference of these substances in the production of VSCs in vitro, their biocompatibility in human oral cells, in addition to tests aimed at the development of formulations for oral topical use. For this, tests will be carried out to determine the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations, ability to inhibit the formation of mono and multispecies bacterial biofilms, quantification of VSCs by gas chromatography; cytotoxicity assay on gingival fibroblasts; in addition to the development of chitosan nanoparticles containing one of the antimicrobials. Thus, it is expected that the results of this study can gather evidence to support the use of these compounds in halitosis therapy, which may result in the inclusion of these substances in oral products.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CORTES, IAGO TORRES; SILVA, KATIA DE PADUA; COGO-MUELLER, KARINA. Effects of simvastatin on the mevalonate pathway and cell wall integrity of Staphylococcus aureus. Journal of Applied Microbiology, v. 136, n. 1, p. 12-pg., 2025-01-21. (18/20593-0, 22/11768-6)