Terpinen-4-ol and carvacrol affect multi-species biofilm composition

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiology
• Natural product chemistry
• Antimicrobial agents

Background:

• Biofilms, particularly those involving oral pathogens, pose significant challenges in maintaining oral health.
• Conventional antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine can exhibit cytotoxicity, necessitating the search for safer alternatives.
• Terpinen-4-ol (T4ol) and carvacrol are natural compounds with potential antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of T4ol and carvacrol on oral keratinocytes.
• To assess the efficacy of T4ol and carvacrol in inhibiting and eradicating single- and multi-species oral biofilms.
• To determine the impact of T4ol and carvacrol on the composition of multi-species biofilms, with a focus on periodontal pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Cytotoxicity was assessed using the XTT assay on oral keratinocytes.
• Biofilm inhibition and eradication were quantified using the crystal violet assay for single-species biofilms.
• Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was employed to analyze the microbial composition of multi-species biofilms.

Main Results:

• T4ol and carvacrol demonstrated no significant cytotoxicity towards oral epithelial cells, unlike chlorhexidine.
• Both compounds effectively inhibited and eradicated single-species biofilms.
• Significant inhibition of multi-species biofilms was observed, particularly against key periodontal pathogens.

Conclusions:

• T4ol and carvacrol are non-cytotoxic compounds effective against oral biofilms at specific concentrations.
• These natural agents show potential for reducing periodontal pathogens in both single- and multi-species biofilm models.
• The findings suggest T4ol and carvacrol as promising candidates for developing novel oral hygiene products.