Combinatorial effect of magnolia bark extract and ethyl lauroyl arginate against multi-species oral biofilms: Food additives with the potential to prevent biofilm-related oral diseases

Abstract

The use of novel antimicrobial food additives that display anti-biofilm properties offers an alternative approach to prevent biofilm-related oral diseases. We evaluated the individual and combined effect of two food additives, magnolia bark extract (MBE) and ethyl-lauroyl-arginate (LAE), against multi-species oral biofilms. Using static and microfluidic in-vitro biofilm models, multi-species oral biofilms were treated with different concentrations of MBE, LAE or combinations of both. Biofilms were imaged using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and biomass, thickness and viability were determined. Both actives significantly reduced biomass, thickness and viability of developed biofilms, although some antimicrobial/anti-biofilm effects differed between the static and microfluidic models. When both actives were combined, the association of 0.005% MBE and 0.0025% LAE was the most effective. In conclusion, MBE and LAE exhibited anti-biofilm and antimicrobial effects. The combination of MBE and LAE improved their individual effect.

Keywords

• Confocal laser scanning microscopy
• Saliva
• Dental plaque
• Antimicrobial agents
• Dental caries
• Periodontal disease