The Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Traits of the Novel BMAP-27-Melittin Conjugated Peptide Nanoparticle Against Streptococcus mutans: Clinical Isolates from Oral Cavity

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The spread and development of drug-resistant bacterial strains has prompted the hunt for novel antibacterial polypeptides undergoing conformational changes to confer rapid bactericidal effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of novel BMAP27-Melittin conjugated peptide- nanoparticle (NP) against Streptococcus mutans as the primary pathogen from subgingival plaques. METHODS: Sixty subgingival plaque samples were collected, and 39 S. mutans isolates were identified. The BMAP27-Melittin conjugated peptide was purchased from GenScript Company, USA. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (BIC), and Biofilm Eradication Concentration (BEC) of BMAP27-Melittin-NP were calculated using the microtiter method. RESULTS: Thirty-nine infected subjects were reported, including 24 males and 15 females (P=0.299). MIC, MBC, BIC, and BEC of BMAP27-Melittin–NP against S. mutans were 1.8, 2.9, 2.1, and 3.8μg/mL, respectively. The mean MBC, BEC, and BIC values were significantly lower among clinical isolates than S. mutans ATCC 35688 standard strain (P=0.032, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: BMAP27-Melittin-NP demonstrated significant antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects against clinical isolates of S. mutans which can be considered a promising compound to prevent or treat dental caries and eradicate the oral infections.