Antibiofilm, regenerative and bone homeostasis potential of the synergistic association of synoeca-MP peptide with chlorhexidine in oral cavity opportunistic infections

Abstract

Objective

Synoeca-MP is an antimicrobial peptide that belongs to the class of defense peptides, known for their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. To evaluate in vitro the association between synoeca-MP peptide and chlorhexidine, regarding their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, saliva stability, effect on tissue repair, bone resorption processes, and mineralized matrix formation.

Design

Initially, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiofilm concentration were determined. The synergism and degradation of synoeca-MP and chlorhexidine in human saliva were assessed. Furthermore, biocompatibility was evaluated using MTT assays, hemolytic assays, and proliferation and migration assays of periodontal ligament cells. Finally, bone homeostasis was evaluated through osteoclastogenesis assays, alkaline phosphatase determination, and mineralized matrix formation assay with SaOs-2 and ligament cells.

Results

The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against the tested microorganisms was confirmed. Low synergistic concentrations of the synoeca-MP and chlorhexidine combination inhibited tested microorganisms. The association of these molecules remained stable in healthy saliva. Nevertheless, it degraded as the severity of periodontal disease increased. Additionally, lower synergistic concentrations of the combination were not cytotoxic to human cells, promoted the proliferation and migration of ligament cells, inhibited osteoclastogenesis, and increased mineral matrix formation of ligament cells and SaOs-2.

Conclusions

Synoeca-MP and chlorhexidine combination shows potential for oral diseases treatment, as evidenced by its antimicrobial activity, regenerative potential, saliva stability, and bone homeostasis. It may be particularly effective for opportunistic oral infections and in conjunction with mechanical therapy.