IADR Abstract Archives
Plant essential oils reduce virulence-and halitosis-associated properties of Fusobacterium nucleatum
Objectives: Context: Fusobacterium nucleatum plays a key role in creating the pathogenic subgingival biofilm that initiates destructive periodontitis. F. nucleatum is also involved in halitosis (oral malodor) through its ability to produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). Objective: In this study, three plant essential oils, including Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), peppermint (Mentha piperita) and winter savory (Satureja montana), were investigated for their effect on the virulence properties of F. nucleatum, as well as on the VSC production associated with oral halitosis.
Methods: Methods: A broth microdilution assay was used to determine the effect of plant essential oils on the growth of
F. nucleatum. Biofilm killing was determined by a luminescence assay monitoring ATP production. Their effects on bacterial cell membrane integrity were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and a fluorescence-based permeability assay. Bacterial viability in presence of plant essential oils was determined by staining with propidium iodide (PI) and monitored using a flow cytometer. VSC levels production was quantified by using a Halimeter sulfide monitor. Lastly, the in vitro cytotoxicity of essential oils towards oral keratinocytes was evaluated to confirm the biocompatibility in the gingiva.
Results: Results: Essential oils from Labrador tea, peppermint, and winter savory, showed strong antibacterial activity. Treatment of pre-formed biofilms of F. nucleatum with essential oils significantly decreases its viability. A permeabilization assay brought evidence that the bacterial cell membrane was the target of essential oils. Moreover, treatment with plant essential oils reduced the viability of planktonic bacteria. Essential oils were able to reduce VSC production by F. nucleatum. Finally, we showed that no significant loss of keratinocyte viability was observed in presence of essential oils at the efficient concentrations to eradicate the virulence properties of F. nucleatum.
Conclusions:
Conclusion: This study supports the therapeutic potential of plant essential oils as therapeutic agents that may be used to promote oral health.
Methods: Methods: A broth microdilution assay was used to determine the effect of plant essential oils on the growth of
F. nucleatum. Biofilm killing was determined by a luminescence assay monitoring ATP production. Their effects on bacterial cell membrane integrity were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and a fluorescence-based permeability assay. Bacterial viability in presence of plant essential oils was determined by staining with propidium iodide (PI) and monitored using a flow cytometer. VSC levels production was quantified by using a Halimeter sulfide monitor. Lastly, the in vitro cytotoxicity of essential oils towards oral keratinocytes was evaluated to confirm the biocompatibility in the gingiva.
Results: Results: Essential oils from Labrador tea, peppermint, and winter savory, showed strong antibacterial activity. Treatment of pre-formed biofilms of F. nucleatum with essential oils significantly decreases its viability. A permeabilization assay brought evidence that the bacterial cell membrane was the target of essential oils. Moreover, treatment with plant essential oils reduced the viability of planktonic bacteria. Essential oils were able to reduce VSC production by F. nucleatum. Finally, we showed that no significant loss of keratinocyte viability was observed in presence of essential oils at the efficient concentrations to eradicate the virulence properties of F. nucleatum.
Conclusions:
Conclusion: This study supports the therapeutic potential of plant essential oils as therapeutic agents that may be used to promote oral health.