Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans
Published on: September 14, 2019
Inhibition of Biofilm Formation and Gene Expression by Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles and Zinc Oxide/Zeolite
Zahra Hosseinali1, Farhad Jeddi2, Ali Niapour3
1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
Background:
Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is recognized as the primary oral pathogen responsible for dental caries. The formation of biofilms on tooth surfaces is a crucial virulence factor for S. mutans. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) and zinc oxide/zeolite nanocomposites (ZnO/Zeolite NCs) on S. mutans gene expression and biofilm formation.
Methods:
Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), sub-MIC, safranin staining, growth curve analysis, and MTT assays were performed to evaluate the anti-biofilm properties of the nanoparticles. The expression levels of the ftf, gtfB, vicR, and gbpB genes were evaluated by real-time PCR. Cytotoxic effects of the nanoparticles were measured by the MTT assay with human gingival fibroblast (HGF2PI2) cells.
Results:
Both SiO2 NPs and ZnO/Zeolite NCs effectively inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation, with MTT assay results showing a 79% inhibition by SiO2 NPs and 95% by ZnO/Zeolite NCs. Additionally, both nanoparticles reduced the transcription levels of the ftf, gtfB, vicR, and gbpB genes, with no toxic effects observed on HGF2PI2 cells at a concentration of 32 mg/ml.
Discussion:
These findings suggest that SiO2 NPs and ZnO/Zeolite NCs are promising agents against S. mutans biofilms, with potential applications in oral care products.
Conclusion:
SiO2 NPs and ZnO/Zeolite NCs show significant potential for preventing biofilm formation by S. mutans, representing effective and cost-efficient antibacterial options for oral health.
Related Concept Videos
01:42What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
01:36What is Gene Expression?
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
02:35Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability