Clinical Efficacy of a Specifically Targeted Antimicrobial Peptide Mouth Rinse: Targeted Elimination of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> and Prevention of Demineralization

Abstract

selectivity for S. mutans , and not other oral bacteria, and affects targeted bacteria within seconds of contact. Methods: In the present study, we evaluated C16G2 for clinical utility in vitro, followed by a pilot efficacy study to examine the impact of a 0.04% (w/v) C16G2 rinse in an intra-oral remineralization/demineralization model. Results and Conclusions: C16G2 rinse usage was associated with reductions in plaque and salivary S. mutans , lactic acid production, and enamel demineralization. The impact on total plaque bacteria was minimal. These results suggest that C16G2 is effective against S. mutans in vivo and should be evaluated further in the clinic. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel Dental caries is a chronic infection that affects populations worldwide. In the United States alone, health care costs associated with treating dental caries have topped 64 billion USD annually [Evans and Kleinman, 2000; Anonymous, 2008]. In the developing world, dental caries is more prevalent, especially among pediatric patients, Key WordsAntimicrobial ؒ Antimicrobial peptide ؒ Caries ؒ Demineralization ؒ Dental plaque ؒ Lactic acid ؒ Mouth rinse ؒ Oral therapeutic ؒ Selective antibiotic ؒ Selective therapeutic ؒ Specifically targeted antimicrobial peptide ؒ Streptococcus mutans ؒ Targeted antimicrobial Abstract Background/Aims: Streptococcus mutans , the major etiological agent of dental caries, has a measurable impact on domestic and global health care costs. Though persistent in the oral cavity despite conventional oral hygiene, S. mutans can be excluded from intact oral biofilms through competitive exclusion by other microorganisms. This suggests that therapies capable of selectively eliminating S. mutans while limiting the damage to the normal oral flora might be effective long-term interventions to fight cariogenesis. To meet this challenge, we designed C16G2, a novel synthetic specifically targeted antimicrobial peptide with specificity for S. mutans . C16G2 consists of a S. mutans -selective 'targeting region' comprised of a fragment from S. mutans competence stimulation peptide (CSP) conjoined to a 'killing region' consisting of a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide (G2). In vitro studies have indicated that C16G2 has robust efficacy and

Antimicrobial peptide GH12 suppresses cariogenic virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans

“…So far, many natural or synthetic AMPs have shown inhibitory effects on growth of planktonic cells and biofilm of S. mutans in vitro , including defensins, Cathelicidin LL-37, Histatin 5, Human Lactoferrin [14], KSL [15], L-K6 [16], Bac8c [17], and C16G2 [18]. Furthermore, the placebo-controlled clinical data of C16G2 rinse showed this AMP was safe and reduced S. mutans and enamel demineralization [19]. These findings suggest that AMPs have potential to be another safe and promising solution to dental caries.…”

Effect of microparticulate silver addition in dental adhesives on secondary caries in vitro

“…Besides, e.g., targeted peptide attacks via mouthrinses, charging of adhesive joints of pre-existing restorations remains interesting to fight against secondary caries [36,37]. The null hypothesis tested was that silver additions would have no effect on secondary caries formation in vitro.…”

Nanoscale characterization of effect of l-arginine on Streptococcus mutans biofilm adhesion by atomic force microscopy

“…In addition, the secreted extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) provide stability, structural integrity, and resistance to bacteria from antimicrobials and other chemicals (Paes Leme et al, 2006). Several technologies have been developed that specifically target and minimize the acid-producing effects of S. mutans (He et al, 2010;Lang et al, 2010;Sullivan et al, 2011). These approaches have been proven to enhance the remineralization process resulting in the arrest and reversal of caries lesions.…”