Penetration of an antimicrobial zinc-sugar alcohol complex into Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

Mature biofilms are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents due to the presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which inhibit the penetration of external molecules. In this study, we developed a coordination compound consisting of zinc chloride and erythritol that exhibits penetrating and bactericidal activity against Streptococcus mutans biofilms. An in vitro biofilm model was established in microplates, and bactericidal activity against biofilms was evaluated using an Alamar blue assay.

Spontaneous detachment of Streptococcus mutans biofilm by synergistic effect between zwitterion and sugar alcohol.

A biofilm, a community of microorganisms, is highly resistant to antibiotics, resulting in massive losses in various areas. We herein present a strategy to remove Streptococcus mutans biofilms through a spontaneous exfoliation by the synergistic effect between zwitterion and sugar alcohols. It is assumed that the anionic site of zwitterion can be coupled with sugar alcohols and the cationic site remains in the state of lacking electrons.