Potential Effect of Giant Freshwater Prawn Shell Nano Chitosan in Inhibiting the Development of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis Biofilm In Vitro

An oral biofilm comprises a variety of bacteria including Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis that cause human infections, such as caries and periodontitis. Thus, biofilm management plays an important part in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Nano chitosan is a bioactive material that has antimicrobial activities. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of nano chitosan synthesized from giant freshwater prawn shells (PSNC) on S. mutans and S. sanguinis biofilm development. PSNC was prepared from the extracted chitosan of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) shells using the ionic gelation method. The effect of PSNC on S. mutans ATCC 25175 and S. sanguinis ATCC10556 biofilm formation was evaluated using the crystal violet assay. Both bacteria were inoculated in the presence of various concentrations (5, 2.5, and 1.25 mg/ml) of PSNC for 24 h and 48 h. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy were performed to visualize and study the biofilm architectural features. The biofilms were stained with the BacLight Bacterial Viability Kit prior to CLSM observation to monitor the viability of the biofilm. The results showed that PSNC exposure for 24 h and 48 h inhibited the formation of S. mutans and S. sanguinis biofilms. The biofilm formation inhibition percentage increased with an increase in the PSNC concentration (p < 0.05). The highest inhibitory activity was shown at 5 mg/ml PSNC (p < 0.05). Those findings were confirmed by the subsequent findings using the CLSM and SEM analyses. The biofilm architecture was strongly disrupted upon treatment with PSNC. After exposure to 5 mg/ml PSNC, the number of bacteria significantly decreased. The remaining bacteria were seen as individual cells, showing damaged cells. In conclusion, PSNC inhibits the development of S. mutans and S. sanguinis biofilm in vitro, indicating the potential of PSNC in clinical application for oral bacterial infection, prevention, and treatment.