Constructing an Anti-S. Mutans and Mineralizing Membrane by Combination Self-Assembled Lysozyme with Antimicrobial Peptide

Abstract

Dental caries is a major public health problem. Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans ) are the main etiologic pathogens in dental caries and cause tooth hard tissue demineralization. To prevent dental caries, it is important to inhibit S. mutans and induce tooth remineralization. In this study, we combined a self-assembled lysozyme with polyphemusin I (PI) to form a multi-functional membrane for inhibiting S. mutans and inducing remineralization. After combination with PI, the self-assembled lysozyme showed superior activity in preventing biofilms and biofouling. In addition, the self-assembled lysozyme combined with PI could prevent enamel demineralization and induce remineralization. Accordingly, the formed multi-functional membrane could be a promising strategy for preventing dental caries.

Keywords: Dental caries, self-assembly, Lysozyme, Remineralization, Antimicrobial peptide