Exploring the efficacy of in-vitro low-temperature plasma treatment on single and multispecies dental cariogenic biofilms

Author(s)

Figueira, Leandro Wagner ; Panariello, Beatriz ; Koga-Ito, Cristiane Y. ; Duarte, Simone

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 14, n. 1, p. 8-pg., 2024-09-05.

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of treatment with low-temperature plasma (LTP) for varying exposure durations on a multispecies cariogenic biofilm comprising C. albicans, L. casei, and S. mutans, as well as on single-species biofilms of L. casei and C. albicans, cultured on hydroxyapatite discs. Biofilms were treated with LTP-argon at a 10 mm distance for 30 s, 60 s, and 120 s. Chlorhexidine solution (0.12%) and NaCl (0.89%) were used as positive (PC) and negative controls (NC), respectively. Argon flow only was also used as gas flow control (F). Colony-forming units (CFU) recovery and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to analyze biofilm viability. LTP starting at 30 s of application significantly reduced the viability of multispecies biofilms by more than 2 log(10) in all treated samples (p<0.0001). For single-species biofilms, L. casei showed a significant reduction compared to PC and NC of over 1 log(10) at all exposure times (p<0.0001). In the case of C. albicans biofilms, LTP treatment compared to PC and NC resulted in a significant decrease in bacterial counts when applied for 60 and 120 s (1.55 and 1.90 log10 CFU/mL, respectively) (p<0.0001). A significant effect (p <= 0.05) of LTP in single-species biofilms was observed to start at 60 s of LTP application compared to F, suggesting a time-dependent effect of LTP for the single-species biofilms of C. albicans and L. casei. LTP is a potential mechanism in treating dental caries by being an effective anti-biofilm therapy of both single and multispecies cariogenic biofilms. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/05856-7 - Use of low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma in dentistry: from laboratory bench to clinics
• Grantee: Cristiane Yumi Koga Ito
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/01676-4 - APPLICATION OF LOW TEMPERATURE PLASMA AT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE IN THE CONTROL OF CARIOGENIC BIOFILMS
• Grantee: Leandro Wagner Figueira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/17707-3 - Application of cold atmospheric plasma for the control of cariogenic biofilms
• Grantee: Leandro Wagner Figueira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate