Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 2026

An Analytical Tool-box for Comprehensive Biochemical, Structural and Transcriptome Evaluation of Oral Biofilms Mediated by Mutans Streptococci
11:09

An Analytical Tool-box for Comprehensive Biochemical, Structural and Transcriptome Evaluation of Oral Biofilms Mediated by Mutans Streptococci

Published on: January 25, 2011

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Polymethyl methacrylate microplastics affect oral microbiota diversity and Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation

Bing Yang1, Ziyv Wu1, Xing Cui1

  • 1Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|April 30, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Polymethyl methacrylate microplastics (PMMA-MPs) alter oral microbial communities and increase the virulence and antibiotic tolerance of Streptococcus mutans, a key bacterium in dental caries.

Area of Science:

  • Oral microbiology
  • Dental materials science
  • Environmental health

Background:

  • Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a common dental material.
  • Mastication can release PMMA microplastics (PMMA-MPs) into the oral cavity.
  • PMMA-MPs may impact oral health by affecting microbial adhesion and virulence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of PMMA-MPs on oral microbiota.
  • To determine the impact of PMMA-MPs on the cariogenic bacterium *Streptococcus mutans*.

Main Methods:

  • A murine oral exposure model was used to assess PMMA-MP impacts.
  • High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing quantified shifts in oral microbiota.
  • *In vitro* experiments evaluated *S. mutans* growth, biofilm formation, and virulence.

Main Results:

  • PMMA-MPs significantly altered oral microbial diversity in mice, increasing *Streptococcus* abundance.
  • PMMA-MPs enhanced *S. mutans* growth, biofilm formation, and virulence factor production.
  • PMMA-MPs increased antibiotic tolerance in *S. mutans* biofilms, potentially via ABC transporters, quorum sensing, and purine metabolism pathways.

Conclusions:

  • PMMA-MPs alter oral microbial composition.
  • PMMA-MPs promote *S. mutans* virulence and antibiotic resistance.
  • These findings highlight potential oral health risks associated with PMMA-MPs.
Keywords:
Streptococcus mutansdental cariesmicroplasticsoral microbiotapolymethyl methacrylate

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