Biological Control of Cariogenic Bactria and Periodontal Pathogens by Antimicrobial Peptides

The oral cavity is the second most diverse microbial ecosystem providing residency to AMP producers which play a significant role in shaping the community structure and preserving the delicate equilibrium between the host and the residential microbial flora. The integration of AMPs in the microbial membranes can disrupt the membrane structure, eventually causing cellular death. On the other hand, the permeabilization of the membrane allows for AMP leakage into the cytoplasm, where it can bind to nucleic acids and cellular components to disrupt the normal functioning of the microbial metabolism. Production of bacteriocins among oral bacteria has been commonly found in of the genera Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Fusobacterium, and Prevotella. Furthermore, many of these have probiotic potential. Bacteriocins have been explored as alternatives to antibiotics for combating cariogenic species. For instance, the lantibiotic nisin has shown effectiveness in vitro against mono-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans. Among the late colonizers studied, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were particularly sensitive to nisin. Furthermore, when cultured in the presence of nisin, multispecies biofilms showed a reduction in biomass and thickness. Through further advancements and collaborations between researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry partners, we can harness the power of these naturally occurring molecules to develop innovative therapies that effectively combat infections and enhance human health.