Development of Streptococcus mutans biofilm in the presence of human colostrum and 3′-sialyllactose

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the initial adhesion and formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilm in vitro in the presence of saliva, human colostrum and 3′-sialyllactose.

Methods

Human colostrum and salivas were collected from 30 mothers and newborn postpartum. Eighteen hours culture of S. mutans was treated with colostrum or 3′-sialyllactose in three different moments: before, during, and after 24 h from the microbial inoculation. Salivas were also tested in conjunction with colostrum. The assays were realized in sterile 96-well flat-bottom microtiter plates for 24 h. The biofilms were fixed, washed, stained with crystal violet, and extracted. Absorbance was measured to evaluate biofilm growth mass.

Results

Colostrum applied after and during the inoculation decreased biofilm formation when compared with the control (p < .05). The presence of saliva increased the biofilm biomass (p < .05). The application of 3′-sialyllactose reduced biofilm formation independently of moments of application (p < .05).

Conclusion

Saliva contributed to the proliferation of biofilm and colostrum did not prevent the initial adhesion, but interfered in the accumulation and development of microorganisms in biofilms. 3′-sialyllactose significantly decreased biofilm formation. This information expands the importance of colostrum as a potent oral antimicrobial biofluid.

Keywords:

• Colostrum
• breast feeding
• sialyllactose
• Streptococcus mutans

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico; Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa (CNPq)[ proc.472928/2007-4].