Targeting mixed-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans on clear aligners: boron-based natural substance combinations for enhanced antibiofilm efficacy
Biofouling, cilt.42, sa.6, ss.602-618, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 42 Sayı: 6
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2680103
- Dergi Adı: Biofouling
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Environment Index, Geobase, MEDLINE, Zoological Record
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.602-618
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, biofilm, orthodontic clear aligners, boric acid, natural substances
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
In orthodontic treatment, insufficiently cleaned clear-aligners can serve as reservoirs for biofilms. This study evaluates in-vitro biofilm models and investigates the antibiofilm efficacy of boron-based formulations with natural substances. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by microdilution, and Fractional inhibitory concentration by checkerboard methods. Biofilm inhibition was assessed at sub-MIC levels, and mature biofilm-eradication at supra-MICs. Time-kill assays were performed on mixed-biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans on clear-aligners. The MIC values of boric acid, sodium borate, and natural substances against S. mutans were 1,250–5,000, 4,000–8,000, and 2.5–>10,000 μg/mL, respectively. Synergistic combinations included eucalyptol, epigallocatechin-gallate, resveratrol, and cinnamaldehyde. Biofilm inhibition rates ranged from 49%-58%, and eradication concentrations were 8–16xMIC. A formulation containing boric acid reduced viable cells by ≥5-log10 in time-kill assays. These findings indicate that boron-based formulations with natural substances suggest notable antibiofilm activity against mixed-species biofilms and may provide preliminary in vitro data for aligner-cleaning or oral-care products.