Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Area of Concentration

General Studies

Abstract

The formation of microbial biofilms on human teeth, also known as dental plaque, can lead to periodontal diseases and dental caries. The current treatments for these ailments are costly and inaccessible for many people, but if left untreated, these diseases can lead to serious illnesses. Bacteria within a biofilm communicate using quorum sensing (QS) and utilize this method to count themselves for controlled gene expression. In recent years, there has been significant research on how to inhibit this inter-bacterial communication in a process called, quorum quenching (QQ). Molecules that closely resemble the QS molecules produced and accepted by bacteria can interfere and block this communication. The objective of the current study is to propose a methodology for testing the inhibitory capabilities of the molecules: ajoene (found in garlic), eugenol (found in clove extract) and furocoumarins, carotenoids, limonoids, pectin, and coumarin (all found in grapefruit extract) on Streptococcus mutans biofilms, the most common group of disease-causing bacteria in the oral cavity. An adapted 96 well-plate assay and Kirby Bauer Diffusion technique is proposed to test the inhibitory effects of these compounds on the formation and eradication of S. mutans biofilms. If successful, these natural substances could be used to make cheap and natural oral hygiene products that could be accessible to people in poor and/or rural areas.

Download

Share

COinS