Modified Lactoperoxidase System as a Promising Anticaries Agent: In Vitro Studies on Streptococcus mutans Biofilms

The lactoperoxidase (LPO) system shows promise in the prevention of dental caries, a common chronic disease. This system has antimicrobial properties and is part of the non-specific antimicrobial immune system. Understanding the efficacy of the LPO system in the fight against biofilms could provide information on alternative strategies for the prevention and treatment of caries. In this study, the enzymatic system was modified using four different (pseudo)halide substrates (thiocyanate, thiocyanate-iodide mixture, selenocyanate, and iodide). The study evaluated the metabolic effects of applying such modifications to Streptococcus mutans; in particular: (1) biofilm formation, (2) synthesis of insoluble polysaccharides, (3) lactate synthesis, (4) glucose and sucrose consumption, (5) intracellular NAD⁺ and NADH concentrations, and (6) transmembrane glucose transport efficiency (PTS activity). The results showed that the LPO-iodide system had the strongest inhibitory effect on biofilm growth and lactate synthesis (complete inhibition). This was associated with an increase in the NAD⁺/NADH ratio and an inhibition of glucose PTS activity. The LPO-selenocyanate system showed a moderate inhibitory effect on biofilm biomass growth and lactate synthesis. The other systems showed relatively small inhibition of lactate synthesis and glucose PTS but no effect on the growth of biofilm biomass. This study provides a basis for further research on the use of alternative substrates with the LPO system, particularly the LPO-iodide system, in the prevention and control of biofilm-related diseases.