• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.253-262
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• 2016

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is one of the most important bacteria in the formation of dental plaque and dental caries. S. mutans adheres to an acquired pellicle formed on the tooth surface, and aggregates with many oral bacteria. It initiates plaque formation by synthesizing glucan from sucrose, which is catalyzed by glucosyltransferases. Propolis is a resinous mixture produced by honeybees, by mixing saliva and beeswax with secretions gathered from wood sap and flower pollen. Bees prevent pathogenic invasions by coating the propolis to the outer and inner surface of the honeycomb. Propolis has traditionally been used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, asthma and dermatitis. We investigated the inhibitory effects of propolis ethanol extract on biofilm formation and gene expression of S. mutans. The biofilm formation of S. mutans was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and safranin staining. We observed that the extract of propolis had an inhibitory effect on the formation of S. mutans biofilms at concentrations higher than 0.2 mg/ml. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the gene expression of biofilm formation, such as gbpB, spaP, brpA, relA and vicR of S. mutans, was significantly decreased in a dose dependent manner. The ethanol extract of propolis showed concentration dependent growth inhibition of S. mutans, and significant inhibition of acid production at concentrations of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/ml, compared to the control group. These results suggest that the ethanol extract of propolis inhibits gene expression related to biofilm formation in S. mutans.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.605-614
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• 2022

In this study, oregano was extracted by supercritical extraction and hydrothermal extraction method. In vitro experiments such as antimicrobial and antioxidant activity test were performed. As a result of the disc diffusion method, only the supercritical extracts formed a clear zone. The MIC for S. aureus was found only in the supercritical fluid extracts and it was 1000 ㎍/mL. The hydrothermal extract's MIC is 125 ㎍/mL for C. acnes. Through biofilm inhibition assay, we found that the supercritical fluid oregano extracts inhibit the biofilm of S. aureus by more than 70% even at low concentrations of 125 ㎍/mL. On the other hand, the antioxidant ability of the hydrothermal extract was better than that of the supercritical fluid extracts. Furthermore, we tried to make a skincare ingredient for atopic dermatitis by utilizing the S. aureus biofilm inhibitory ability of oregano supercritical fluid extracts. Liposome was used to overcome the low solubility of the oregano supercritical fluid extracts and increase stability.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.1177-1183
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• 2019

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a safe and effective preservative that is used widely in the food industry. However, there are few studies addressing the anti-biofilm effect of GSE. In this study, the anti-biofilm effect of GSE was investigated against biofilm-forming strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The GSE minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for S. aureus and E. coli were $25{\mu}g/ml$ and $250{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. To investigate biofilm inhibition and degradation effect, crystal violet assay and stainless steel were used. Biofilm formation rates of four strains (S. aureus 7, S. aureus 8, E. coli ATCC 25922, and E. coli O157:H4 FRIK 125) were 55.8%, 70.2%, 55.4%, and 20.6% at $1/2{\times}MIC$ of GSE, respectively. The degradation effect of GSE on biofilms attached to stainless steel coupons was observed (${\geq}1$ log CFU/coupon) after exposure to concentrations above the MIC for all strains and $1/2{\times}MIC$ for S. aureus 7. In addition, the specific mechanisms of this anti-biofilm effect were investigated by evaluating hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production rate, and motility. Significant changes in EPS production rate and motility were observed in both S. aureus and E. coli in the presence of GSE, while changes in hydrophobicity were observed only in E. coli. No relationship was seen between auto-aggregation and biofilm formation. Therefore, our results suggest that GSE might be used as an anti-biofilm agent that is effective against S. aureus and E. coli.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.4.1-4.10
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• 2019

Objectives: Biofilm formation is critical to dental caries initiation and development. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nicotine exposure on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm formation concomitantly with the inhibitory effects of sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl) and potassium iodide (KI) salts. This study examined bacterial growth with varying concentrations of NaCl, KCl, and KI salts and nicotine levels consistent with primary levels of nicotine exposure. Materials and Methods: A preliminary screening experiment was performed to investigate the appropriate concentrations of NaCl, KCl, and KI to use with nicotine. With the data, a S. mutans biofilm growth assay was conducted using nicotine (0-32 mg/mL) in Tryptic Soy broth supplemented with 1% sucrose with and without 0.45 M of NaCl, 0.23 M of KCl, and 0.113 M of KI. The biofilm was stained with crystal violet dye and the absorbance measured to determine biofilm formation. Results: The presence of 0.45 M of NaCl, 0.23 M of KCl, and 0.113 M of KI significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) nicotine-induced S. mutans biofilm formation by 52%, 79.7%, and 64.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The results provide additional evidence regarding the biofilm-enhancing effects of nicotine and demonstrate the inhibitory influence of these salts in reducing the nicotine-induced biofilm formation. A short-term exposure to these salts may inhibit S. mutans biofilm formation.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.302-311
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial properties of a sealant containing S-PRG filler compared to those of two contemporary commercial sealants to determine the inhibition of bacterial growth in broth culture and biofilm formation using the CDC Biofilm Reactor. The BeautiSealant containing S-PRG filler, the fluoride releasing Clinpro$^{TM}$ sealant, which are known to have higher antibacterial effects, and the non-fluoride releasing Concise$^{TM}$ sealant were selected for this study. A Streptococcus mutans culture in BHI broth without sealant served as a negative control in the planktonic growth inhibition test. As a result, bacterial growth was inhibited in all three sealant groups compared to that in the control. The Clinpro$^{TM}$ sealant showed a significantly reduced number of CFUs compared to those of the BeautiSealant and Concise$^{TM}$ sealants. However, no significant difference was detected between the BeautiSealant and Concise$^{TM}$ sealants. The Clinpro$^{TM}$ sealant significantly decreased biofilm formation compared to that by the BeautiSealant and Concise$^{TM}$ sealants. No significant difference was observed between the BeautiSealant and Concise$^{TM}$ sealants. In conclusion, the sealant containing S-PRG filler had a less potent anti-bacterial property and increased biofilm formation capacity compared to those of the fluoride releasing Clinpro$^{TM}$ sealant.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.626-636
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• 2003

Pediococcus pentosaceus K1270 was isolated from naturally fermented kimchi and identified based on the 16S rDNA sequence as well as cultural and biochemical characteristics. This strain strongly inhibited the formation of biofilm by Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt. K1270 also showed antibacterial activity against S. mutans Ingbritt. It was observed that K1270 strain produced hydrogen peroxide on MRS agar supplemented with 3, 3, 5, 5-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and peroxidase and the inhibitory effect of K1270 strain on the biofilm formation was reversed by the addition of catalase in part. Culture supernatant of K1270 inhibited the biofilm formation and the multiplication of S. mutans Ingbritt. This inhibitory effect of culture supernatant was decreased slightly by the addition of catalase and abolished by heat or trypsin treatment. Thus, this study suggests that P. pentosaceus K1270 inhibit the biofilm formation through the inhibition of the replication of S. mutans Ingbritt by producing hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocin.

• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.157-160
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• 2005

Antibiotic resistance of bacteria in the biofilm mode of growth contributes to the chronicity of infection and disease. The penetration of antibiotic, through biofilm developed in an itt vitro model system was investigated. Antibiotic resistant bacteria (E. coli) were obtained from Culture Collection of Antibiotic Resistant Microbes. Ca-alginate bead used as simulated biofilm and a cell entrapment test using compressed air were experiment for the improvement cell viability. Antibiotic susceptibilities though biofilms was measured by assaying the concentration of antibiotic that diffused through the biofilm to minimal inhibition concentration (MIC). Survival of immobilized cells were reduced as compared to free cells. In case of antibiotic susceptible E. coli reduced continuously, but antibiotic resistant E. coli kept up survival rate constantly. Survival was showed after exposed to the antibiotics that the more treated antibiotic resistant E. coli and low concentration of antibiotics) the more survived.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.685-693
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• 2017

Candidiasis involving the biofilms of Candida albicans is a threat to immunocompromised patients. Candida biofilms are intrinsically resistant to the antifungal drugs and hence novel treatment strategies are desired. The study intended to evaluate the anti-Candida activity of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) alone and with fluconazole (FLC), particularly against the biofilms. Results revealed the concentration-dependent activity of AITC against the planktonic growth and virulence factors of C. albicans. Significant (p <0.05) inhibition of the biofilms was evident at ${\leq}1mg/ml$ concentrations of AITC. Notably, a combination of 0.004 mg/ml of FLC and 0.125 mg/ml of AITC prevented the biofilm formation. Similarly, the preformed biofilms were significantly (p <0.05) inhibited by the AITC-FLC combination. The fractional inhibitory concentration indices ranging from 0.132 to 0.312 indicated the synergistic activity of AITC and FLC against the biofilm formation and the preformed biofilms. No hemolytic activity at the biofilm inhibitory concentrations of AITC and the AITC-FLC combination suggested the absence of cytotoxic effects. The recognizable synergy between AITC and FLC offers a potential therapeutic strategy against biofilm-associated Candida infections.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.172-180
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• 2019

Infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are difficult to treat not only because it is often associated with multidrug-resistant infections but also it is able to form biofilm. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibiofilm and anti-Quorum Sensing (QS) activities of Thymbra capitata essential oils (EOs) against Beta Lactamase (BL) producing P. aeruginosa and the reference strain P. aeruginosa 10145. GC/MS analysis showed that thymol (23.25%) is the most dominant compound in T. capitata EOs. The MICs of T. capitata EOs against P. aeruginosa (BL) and P. aeruginosa 10145 were 1.11%. At sub MIC (0.041, 0.014 and 0.0046%), the EOs of T. capitata remarkably inhibited the biofilm formation of both strains tested and complete inhibition of the biofilm formation was reported at 0.041%. The EOs of T. capitata were found to inhibit the swarming motility, aggregation ability and hydrophobic ability of P. aeruginosa (BL) and P. aeruginosa 10145. Interestingly, the EOs of T. capitata reduce the production of three secreted virulence factors that regulated by QS system including pyocyanin, rhamnolipids and LasA protease. The potent antibiofilm and anti-QS activities of T. capitata EOs can propose it as a new antibacterial agent to control pseudomonas infections.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.220-227
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• 2022

The spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive opportunistic pathogen, has increased due to the frequent use of antibiotics. Inhibition of the quorum-sensing systems of biofilm-producing strains using plant extracts represents an efficient approach for controlling infections. Torilis japonica is a medicinal herb showing various bioactivities; however, no studies have reported the anti-biofilm effects of T. japonica extracts against drug-resistant S. aureus. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of T. japonica ethanol extract (TJE) on biofilm production in methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) KCTC 1927, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) KCCM 40510, and MRSA KCCM 40511. Biofilm assays showed that TJE could inhibit biofilm formation in all strains. Furthermore, the hemolysis of sheep blood was found to be reduced when the strains were treated with TJE. The mRNA expression of agrA, sarA, icaA, hla, and RNAIII was evaluated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to determine the effect of TJE on the regulation of genes encoding quorum sensing-related virulence factors in MSSA and MRSA. The expression of hla reduced in a concentration-dependent manner upon treatment with TJE. Moreover, the expression levels of other genes were significantly reduced compared to those in the control group. In conclusion, TJE can suppress biofilm formation and virulence factor-related gene expression in MSSA and MRSA strains. The extract may therefore be used to develop treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant S. aureus.