Anti-adhesion and anti-biofilm activity of slightly acidic electrolyzed water combined with sodium benzoate against Streptococcus mutans: A novel ecofriendly oral sanitizer to prevent cariogenesis

• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105535
• Publication Date: 2022-04-14T15:12:47Z
• Authors: Xiuqin Chen; Akanksha Tyagi; Selvakumar Vijaya...; Ramachandran Chel...; Umair Shabbir; Deog-Hwan Oh
• Keywords: Hand sanitizer; Sodium hypochlorite

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) can promote the establishment of high acidic biofilms and therefore have contribution to the development of dental caries. Alleviating the acidic environment and/or disrupting the structure of S. mutans biofilm are effective approaches against dental caries, rather than killing the microorganisms. The anti-biofilm effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) is entirely based on the hypochlorous acid and ROS generation. In this study, sodium benzoate (NaB) acts as a pH adjuster and enhances SAEW's anti-biofilm activity. The results showed that the SAEW combined with NaB (SAEW + NaB) is highly effective in controlling biofilm. The adhesive strength of biofilm was significantly reduced by SAEW, and NaB was found to have a synergy effect with SAEW. Biofilm treated by SAEW + NaB was entirely removed by 60 s of ultrasonic wave, whereas the untreated biofilm can only be removed to a lesser extent. Atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis revealed that SAEW and NaB reduced the height of S. mutans biofilm. The metabolites derived from biofilm positively changed during the periodic 1-min treat, the production of lactic acid was hindered by the treatment. Altogether, these findings suggested a novel therapeutic intervention against S. mutans biofilm by targeting the cariogenic action.