The effect of magnetic fields on the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of toothpaste produced by phycoerythrin and Oliveria decumbens Vent. oil.

Abstract

Streptococcus mutans, a key cause of dental caries, is not treated by conventional toothpaste, brushing, flossing, or antiseptic mouthwashes. This necessitates the development of enriched toothpaste. Cyanobacteria-derived phycoerythrin (PE) has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Magnetic field (MF) treatments are also effective in cyanobacterial metabolism and antioxidant defense. This study aimed to develop toothpaste with Aliinostoc sp. pigment under MFs of 30 and 60 millitesla (mT), along with Oliveria decumbens Vent. oil, to evaluate its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The findings of several assessments over 45 days on 5 varieties of toothpaste indicated that the 30 mT MF had the highest wavelength and PE absorption. In addition, the purity of PE in cultures treated with MFs rose considerably compared to the control. The findings of the average diameter of the growth inhibition zone of toothpaste treatments against S. mutans bacteria indicated that the combination of Oliveria decumbens Vent. oil and PE led to a substantial increase in antibacterial activity compared to the control treatment (1.5 times) (p < 0.05). The addition of PE and Oliveria decumbens Vent. oil under MFs reduced water loss (1.5 times), enhanced texture uniformity (2 times), increased phenolic content (2 times), boosted antioxidant activity, and lowered pH in toothpaste treatments compared to the control (p < 0.05). In addition, the findings of the sensory evaluation of the overall acceptability of various toothpaste treatments revealed that the combination of Oliveria decumbens Vent. oil and PE boosted the overall acceptability of toothpaste treatments compared to the control treatment (p<0.05). In general, the employment of PE under MFs and Oliveria decumbens Vent. oil in toothpaste formulations was particularly beneficial for reducing tooth decay and periodontal illnesses.