Harnessing the antimicrobial potential of Aegle marmelos against Mfa1 fimbriae in Porphyromonas gingivalis: a new strategy for endodontic therapy.

Abstract

Endodontic infections, primarily caused due to microbial invasion into the root canal system, pose a significant challenge to dental health and management due to their complex etiology and resistance to conventional treatment. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key bacterium pathogen that uses the Mfa1 fimbriae for its adhesion and biofilm formation contributing to its pathogenicity. The study explores the potential of Aegle marmelos leaf metabolites as a potential inhibitor of Mfa1 fimbriae using the molecular docking and simulation approach. We assessed the binding affinities of various metabolites with Rutin emerging as a promising candidate due to its strong and stable interactions within the Mfa1 active sites. The findings are also supported by existing literature that underscores the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of Aegle marmelos and its phytochemicals. The study also highlights the novelty of targeting Mfa1 fimbriae, a structure not addressed by current therapeutics.