Engineered Salivary Peptides Reduce Enamel Demineralization Provoked by Cariogenic S. mutans Biofilm

Author(s)

Marin, Lina Maria ; Xiao, Yizhi ; Cury, Jaime Aparecido ; Siqueira, Walter Luiz

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MICROORGANISMS; v. 10, n. 4, p. 18-pg., 2022-04-01.

Abstract

Engineering of the acquired enamel pellicle using salivary peptides has been shown to be a promising anticaries strategy. However, the mechanisms by which these peptides protect teeth against tooth decay are not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the engineered salivary peptides DR9-DR9 and DR9-RR14 on enamel demineralization in two experimental conditions: (1) adsorbed onto the enamel surface forming the AEP, and (2) forming the AEP combined with their use to treat the biofilms 2x/day, using a validated cariogenic Streptococcus mutans in vitro biofilm model. Biofilms were grown for 144 h on enamel slabs and then collected to determine the bacterial viability (CFU/biofilm) and biofilm mass (mg protein/biofilm), and to extract cellular/extracellular proteins, which were characterized by mass spectrometry. The culture medium was changed 2x/day to fresh medium, and pH (indicator of biofilm acidogenicity) and calcium concentration (indicator of demineralization) was determined in used medium. DR9-RR14 peptide significantly reduced enamel demineralization (p < 0.0001) in both experimental conditions. However, this peptide did not have a significant effect on biofilm biomass (p > 0.05) nor did it modulate the expression of cellular and extracellular bacterial proteins involved in biofilm cariogenicity. These findings suggest that DR9-RR14 may control caries development mainly by a physicochemical mechanism. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/27034-5 - Caries susceptibility of fluorosed teeth and fluoride effect on its control: in vitro and in situ study
• Grantee: Lina María Marín Gallón
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/02692-8 - Effect of statherin and Histatin peptides on cariogenic biofilm and on enamel demineralization
• Grantee: Lina María Marín Gallón
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate