Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and virulence by Lactobacillus plantarum K41 isolated from traditional sichuan pickles. - GreenMedInfo Summary

Among cariogenic microbes,is considered a major etiological pathogen of dental caries.strains have been promoted as possible probiotic agents against, although the inhibitory effect ofon caries has not yet been properly addressed. The objective of this study was to screenstrains found in traditional Sichuan pickles and to evaluate their antagonistic properties againstand. In the current study, we analyzed 54strains isolated from pickles and found that strainK41 showed the highest inhibitory effect ongrowth as well as on the formation of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and biofilm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) revealed the reduction of both EPS and of the network-like structure inbiofilm when these bacteria were co-cultured with strainK41. Furthermore, when rats were treated with strainK41, there was a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of dental caries. Due to K41's origin in a high salinity environment, it showed a high tolerance to acids and salts. This may give this strain an advantage in harsh oral conditions. Results showed thatK41 isolated from traditional Sichuan pickles effectively inhibitedbiofilm formation and thus possesses a potential inhibitory effect on dental caries.