Catechin in the Development of an Antibiofilm Tooth Coating Barrier

Objectives: With the development of antibacterial tooth surface coating materials, the ultimate goal is to decrease carious disease occurrence and increase restoration longevity. To increase the constant antimicrobial effect and reduce the risk of caries for utilization of tooth surface coating materials, this study determined the effects of a natural plant derivative, Catechin, a green tea derived bactericidal agent, in the development of an antibacterial surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) barrier coating (Shofu Inc, Japan).
Methods: Catecin in concentrations of 0.0% (control), 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0% was added to S-PRG Barrier coating resin. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei were used as bacterial strains for biofilm formation. To measure Biofilm inhibition, the S-PRG coated surfaces were inoculated with bacterial cells for 48 hrs at 37°C in an anaerobic chamber. After removing free-floating bacteria, bacterial colony forming units (CFU) were counted as a measure of biofilm formation.
Results: Anti-biofilm properties were compared among the control and Catechin addition groups. The results showed that addition of Catechin to PRG coated surfaces resulted in significant inhibition of biofilm growth of S. mutans. The addition of 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0% Catechin, versus 0.0% in PRG Barrier coating, resulted in 85.1±10.6%, 76.3±11.3% and 74.4±21.1% for S. mutants and 99.2±4.0%, 91.2±0.4% and 99.5±1.3% for L. casei CFU, respectively. Higher Catechin concentrations tended to show greater antimicrobial activity for S. mutans, and a non-significant trend in antimicrobial activity for L. casei.
Conclusions: Antimicrobial properties were observed in S-mutans biofilm formation for PRG-coated enamel, which was enhanced by inclusion of Catecin. We conclude that Catechin may have applicability for S-PRG barrier coating treatments, as well as other dental materials, for inhibiting caries and improving the longevity of teeth.