The Effect of Essential Oils and Bioactive Fractions on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans Biofilms: A Confocal Analysis

Author(s)

Freires, Irlan Almeida ; Bueno-Silva, Bruno ; de Carvalho Galvao, Livia Camara ; Teixeira Duarte, Marta Cristina ; Sartoratto, Adilson ; Figueira, Glyn Mara ; de Alencar, Severino Matias ; Rosalen, Pedro Luiz

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine; v. 2015, p. 9-pg., 2015-01-01.

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. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/15984-0 - Anti-Candida, antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities evaluation of essential oil and fractions from Coriandrum sativum L.
• Grantee: Irlan de Almeida Freires
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 09/12353-0 - Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of essential oils from plants against mutans microorganisms
• Grantee: Lívia Câmara de Carvalho Galvão
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 11/14757-0 - Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of essential oils on oral pathogens
• Grantee: Pedro Luiz Rosalen
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 12/01500-4 - Assessment of effects of propolis and its bioactive compounds on the modulation of of macrophages inflammatory response
• Grantee: Bruno Bueno Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral