Characteristics of an alternative antibacterial biomaterial for mouthwash in the absence of alcohol

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether poly-gamma-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), a naturally derived biomaterial, was suitable as an alternative antibacterial mouthwash in the absence of alcohol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three bacterial strains, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were used for testing the antibacterial activity of mouthwashes. In addition, cell viability, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity experiments were conducted for testing the toxicity of mouthwashes. RESULTS: We demonstrated that 10000 ppm of γ-PGA without alcohol could efficiently inhibit 99% of bacterial growth. In addition, γ-PGA did not cause any cytotoxicity or genotoxicity. CONCLUSION: 10000 ppm of γ-PGA in an alcohol-free mouthwash is an alternative biomaterial for mouthwashes.