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Constructing two bifunctional tooth-targeting antimicrobial peptides for caries management: an in vitro study
Pei Hu1,2,3, Pan Chen1,2,3, Gengyu Zhou1,2,3
1Department of Stomatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430030, China.
Clinical Oral Investigations
|December 31, 2024
Summary
Novel tooth-targeting antimicrobial peptides (HABPs@AMPs) show promise for managing dental caries. DJK-5@SVA demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and effectiveness against Streptococcus mutans biofilms, offering a new strategy for oral health.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Dental Research
Background:
- Dental caries remains a significant global public health issue.
- Current caries management strategies require innovative approaches.
- Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer potential therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel tooth-targeting antimicrobial peptides (HABPs@AMPs) for caries management.
- To combine the antimicrobial peptide DJK-5 with hydroxyapatite (HA) binding peptides.
- To evaluate the efficacy and biocompatibility of these novel peptides.
Main Methods:
- Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC100) and minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC100) were determined.
- Peptide affinity for hydroxyapatite (HA) was measured.
- Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm formation and killing of established biofilms were assessed using HA disk and tooth slice models.
- Biocompatibility was evaluated using CCK8 assays with human gingival fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- The peptide DJK-5@SVA exhibited potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against S. mutans, with MIC100 and MBIC100 values of 31.25 µg/mL.
- DJK-5@SVA demonstrated good affinity for HA and superior efficacy in killing 3-day-old S. mutans biofilms compared to controls.
- Peptide biocompatibility was confirmed through CCK8 assays, indicating safety for oral applications.
Conclusions:
- DJK-5@SVA possesses excellent biocompatibility and significant efficacy against S. mutans biofilms, making it a promising candidate for caries management.
- HABPs@AMPs effectively inhibit S. mutans growth and biofilm formation, representing a novel strategy for intraoral targeted applications and caries prevention.
