Developing Lactic Acid Bacteria as an Oral Healthy Food

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oral Health
• Probiotics

Background:

• Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) possess known functions in immunoregulation, antagonism, and pathogen inhibition.
• Oral pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans (caries) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (periodontal disease), pose significant health challenges.
• Developing effective strategies to control these pathogens is crucial for maintaining oral hygiene.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in combating oral pathogens.
• To develop novel oral health products utilizing specific LAB strains.
• To investigate the mechanisms behind LAB's pathogen inhibition, including bacteriocins and coaggregation.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 450 LAB strains for inhibitory effects against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
• Selection of potent strains, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 111 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 141, for further development.
• Optimization of cultural conditions for selected LAB strains and formulation of an oral tablet.
• Conducting a clinical study with 40 volunteers to assess the tablet's impact on oral pathogens and periodontal health.

Main Results:

• Eight heat-inactivated LAB strains demonstrated strong inhibition against Streptococcus mutans.
• 308 heat-inactivated LAB strains exhibited strong inhibition against Porphyromonas gingivalis.
• The developed oral tablet, containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 111 and 141, showed a 446-day shelf life.
• Clinical trial results indicated a 95% reduction in periodontal pathogens and a 78.9% improvement in probing pocket depth after 8 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Lactic acid bacteria, particularly Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strains, are effective in inhibiting key oral pathogens.
• Bacteriocin production and coaggregation are significant mechanisms for LAB's pathogen inhibition.
• The developed oral tablet represents a promising probiotic intervention for improving oral health and managing periodontal disease.