Comparative evaluation of anti-biofilm and anti- adherence potential of plant extracts against Streptococcus mutans: A therapeutic approach for oral health.

Dental caries predominantly attributed to the cariogenic nature of Streptococcus mutans, continue to pose a substantial global challenge to oral health. In response to this challenge, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of leaf extracts (LEs) and essential oils (EOs) derived from different medicinal plants in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans biofilm. In vitro and in silico approaches were employed to identify active compounds and assess their inhibitory effects on S. mutans. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were measured to determine the anti-biofilm and anti-adherence activity against S. mutans. Biofilm viability (CFU/mL) and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) concentration were quantified. GC-MS analysis was utilized to identify active compounds in the most effective plant extracts exhibiting anti-S. mutans activity. A high-throughput screening focused on the interaction between these compounds and the target enzyme SortaseA (SrtA) using molecular docking was performed. Results indicated that Cymbopogon citratus displayed the highest efficacy in reducing S. mutans biofilm formation and adhesion activity, achieving 90 % inhibition at an MIC value of 12 µg/mL. Among the 12 bioactive compounds identified, trans-Carvyl acetate exhibited the lowest binding energy with SrtA (-6.0 Kcal/mole). Trans-Carvyl acetate also displayed favorable pharmacokinetic properties. This study provides novel insights into the anti-S. mutans properties of C. citratus and suggests its potential as a therapeutic approach for oral health. Further research is needed to explore the combined effect of plant extracts for enhanced protection against dental caries.

Deciphering the mechanism of anti-quorum sensing post-biotic mediators against Streptococcus mutans.

OBJECTIVE: Glucosyltransferases (Gtfs) and quorum sensing (QS) mediated transduction genes play critical roles in the pathogenesis of Streptococcus mutan-mediated dental caries. Therefore, targeting gtfs and QS-mediated virulence genes have therefore emerged as an intriguing goal for efficient therapeutic approaches that block cariogenic biofilms. METHODS: Post-biotic mediators (PMs) obtained from our previously isolated and characterized beneficial bacteria Enterobacter colacae PS-74 was assessed for its antibiofilm potential against S. mutans. According to the transcriptome method, qRT-PCR analysis was performed against virulence genes. For microscopic visualization, SEM and CLSM analyses were used to confirm the inhibitory effects of PMs. RESULTS: PMs dramatically reduced the expression of QS signal transduction, glucan metabolism, and biofilm-regulated genes such gtfB, gtfC, ComDE, VicR, brpA in S. mutans, which validates the outcomes of in vitro result. Their unique metabolites may help to control biofilm formation by eluding antimicrobial resistance. CONCLUSION: Considering the above findings, PMs may deem to be an innovative, alluring, and secure method for preventing dental caries due to their biological activity. Our study unravels the inhibitory effect of PMs, which will contribute to instruct drug design strategies for effective inhibition of S. mutans biofilms.

Harnessing the potential of white rot fungi and ligninolytic enzymes for efficient textile dye degradation: A comprehensive review.

The contamination of wastewater with textile dyes has emerged as a pressing environmental concern due to its persistent nature and harmful effects on ecosystems. Conventional dye treatment methods have proven inadequate in effectively breaking down complex dye molecules. However, a promising alternative for textile dye degradation lies in the utilization of white rot fungi, renowned for their remarkable lignin-degrading capabilities. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of white rot fungi in degrading textile dyes, with a particular focus on their ligninolytic enzymes, specifically examining the roles of lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP), and laccase in the degradation of lignin and their applications in textile dye degradation. The primary objective of this paper is to elucidate the enzymatic mechanisms involved in dye degradation, with a spotlight on recent research advancements in this field. Additionally, the review explores factors influencing enzyme production, including culture conditions and genetic engineering approaches. The challenges associated with implementing white rot fungi and their ligninolytic enzymes in textile dye degradation processes are also thoroughly examined. Textile dye contamination poses a significant environmental threat due to its resistance to conventional treatment methods. White rot fungi, known for their ligninolytic capabilities, offer an innovative approach to address this issue. The review delves into the intricate mechanisms through which white rot fungi and their enzymes, including LiP, MnP, and laccase, break down complex dye molecules. These enzymes play a pivotal role in lignin degradation, a process that can be adapted for textile dye removal. The review also emphasizes recent developments in this field, shedding light on the latest findings and innovations. It discusses how culture conditions and genetic engineering techniques can influence the production of these crucial enzymes, potentially enhancing their efficiency in textile dye degradation. This highlights the potential for tailored enzyme production to address specific dye contaminants effectively. The paper also confronts the challenges associated with integrating white rot fungi and their ligninolytic enzymes into practical textile dye degradation processes. These challenges encompass issues like scalability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory hurdles. By acknowledging these obstacles, the review aims to pave the way for practical and sustainable applications of white rot fungi in wastewater treatment. In conclusion, this comprehensive review offers valuable insights into how white rot fungi and their ligninolytic enzymes can provide a sustainable solution to the urgent problem of textile dye-contaminated wastewater. It underscores the enzymatic mechanisms at play, recent research breakthroughs, and the potential of genetic engineering to optimize enzyme production. By addressing the challenges of implementation, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of textile dye pollution. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Ligninolytic enzymes from white rot fungi, like LiP, MnP, and laccase, are crucial for degrading textile dyes. Different dyes and enzymatic mechanisms is vital for effective wastewater treatment. Combine white rot fungi-based strategies with mediator systems, co-culturing, or sequential treatment approaches to enhance overall degradation efficiency. Emphasize the broader environmental impact of textile dye pollution and position white rot fungi as a promising avenue for contributing to mitigation efforts. This aligns with the overarching goal of sustainable wastewater treatment practices and environmental conservation. Consider scalability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance to pave the way for sustainable applications that can effectively mitigate the environmental impact of textile dye pollution.