Mouthwash containing a biosurfactant and chitosan: An eco-sustainable option for the control of cariogenic microorganisms (original) (raw)

2019, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

The aim of the present study was to determine the antimicrobial action and toxicity of mouthwashes formulated with a biosurfactant, chitosan of a microbial origin and peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil (POE). Chitosan was extracted from the biomass of a fungus from the order Mucorales grown in yam bean broth. Three biosurfactants produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa UCP 0992 (PB), Bacillus cereus UCP 1615 (BB) and Candida bombicola URM 3718 (CB) were tested. Six mouthwashes were prepared, the active ingredients of which were the biosurfactant, chitosan and POE. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for the test substances separately, in combinations and in the mouthwash formulas. The toxicity of the mouthwashes was tested using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-il)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) for the L929 (mouse fibroblast) and RAW 264.7 (mouse macrophage) cell lines. All substances tested had a MIC for cariogenic microorganisms. The combinations of the CB and PB biosurfactants with chitosan demonstrated an additive effect on the majority of microorganisms tested. The toxicity of the mouthwashes was significantly lower than that of the commercial mouthwash. The present findings demonstrate that mouthwashes containing natural products constitute a safe, effective, natural alternative to commercially available mouthwashes for the control of oral microorganisms. Keywords: Biosurfactant, chitosan, Mentha piperita essential oil, cosmetic, antimicrobial activity. industrial level [1]. The cosmetics industry has particular interest in research involving natural products, since many cosmetics are made for daily use and a large portion end up in sewage systems or discarded directly into the environment. The formulation industry uses hundreds of chemical products and each ingredient is selected to offer a specific benefit or function. As soon as more data on health and environmental safety become available, some ingredients need to be substituted for not fitting the desired environmental, health or safety