IADR Abstract Archives
Anti-Biofilm Properties of Cannabigerol Towards Streptococcus Mutans
Objectives: Medicinal cannabis has been used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of various diseases. While tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the most prevalent and widely studied phytocannabinoid, its psychoactive property limits its therapeutic uses. Therefore, recent research has focused on the therapeutic benefits of non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as Cannabigerol (CBG). Here we investigated the antibiofilm properties of CBG against the Gram-positive, cariogenic Streptococcus mutans involved in dental caries.
Methods: The biofilm biomass was quantified by qPCR and MTT assay was used to assess the metabolic activity of the biofilm. Other characteristics of the biofilm were examined such as depth, live and dead staining and extracellular polysaccharides production using confocal microscopy. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize the biofilm. Optical profilometer was utilized to check the biofilm surface roughness. RT-PCR was also performed. Preformed biofilms were treated with CBG at different concentrations and time frames (0-24 hrs). For each time point and concentration, the biofilm biomass and activity were assessed and compared to control.
Results: Here we show that under biofilm conditions of S. mutans, CBG displayed at 2.5 µg/ml a significant reduction in the biofilm biomass and metabolic activity compared to the control groups. Reduction in the biofilm thickness and EPS production was proved by confocal laser scanning microscopy. SEM confirmed the former results. CBG treatment provided a smooth biofilm surface with less waves and protrusions as seen under the optical profilometer. CBG also reduced the expression of various genes, which are involved in essential metabolic pathways related to the cariogenic properties of S. mutans biofilms. Moreover, CBG decreased the activity but not the biomass of preformed biofilms.
Conclusions: In summary, our data presents the mechanisms by which CBG exerts its anti-biofilm effect against S. mutans. Our study may provide new and innovative strategies to tackle problematic caries causing bacteria.
Methods: The biofilm biomass was quantified by qPCR and MTT assay was used to assess the metabolic activity of the biofilm. Other characteristics of the biofilm were examined such as depth, live and dead staining and extracellular polysaccharides production using confocal microscopy. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize the biofilm. Optical profilometer was utilized to check the biofilm surface roughness. RT-PCR was also performed. Preformed biofilms were treated with CBG at different concentrations and time frames (0-24 hrs). For each time point and concentration, the biofilm biomass and activity were assessed and compared to control.
Results: Here we show that under biofilm conditions of S. mutans, CBG displayed at 2.5 µg/ml a significant reduction in the biofilm biomass and metabolic activity compared to the control groups. Reduction in the biofilm thickness and EPS production was proved by confocal laser scanning microscopy. SEM confirmed the former results. CBG treatment provided a smooth biofilm surface with less waves and protrusions as seen under the optical profilometer. CBG also reduced the expression of various genes, which are involved in essential metabolic pathways related to the cariogenic properties of S. mutans biofilms. Moreover, CBG decreased the activity but not the biomass of preformed biofilms.
Conclusions: In summary, our data presents the mechanisms by which CBG exerts its anti-biofilm effect against S. mutans. Our study may provide new and innovative strategies to tackle problematic caries causing bacteria.