Inhibition of biofilm production by lactobacillus SPP from dental caries using Azadirachta indica

Abstract

Biofilm is a matrix formed by microorganisms due to the secretion of exopolymeric substances. Lactobacillus is a gram positive rod shape bacteria, it causes dental caries and has the ability of forming biofilms. Azadiratcha indica (neem plant) is a fast growing plants used in traditional medicines and has antimicrobial activities. This study aimed at the determination of inhibitory activities of Azadirachta indica on biofilm production by Lactobacillus spp. The phytochemical extraction was done using cold maceration method. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Sub-Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (Sub-MIC) were evaluated using micro broth dilution method. The biofilm and antibiofilm determination were done using the crystal violet assay. Results from the study showed that neem Leafs and stem contain tannins, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and cardenoloids. Lactobacillus spp is a positive biofilm former (Moderate biofilm) with 0.201 mean optical density (OD) value at 620 nm. Sub-MIC for Leaf ethanolic extract (LAE), Leaf aqueous extract (LEE), Stem ethanolic extract (SAE), and stem aqueous extract (SEE) against Lactobacillus spp was at 0.78   mg/mL, 0.20   mg/mL, 0.78   mg/mL, and 0.39   mg/mL respectively. The LEE, SAE, and SEE inhibited biofilm production from moderate biofilm former at 0.201 to a weak biofilm former at 0.121, 0.140, and 0.093 mean OD value at 620nm respectively. A. indica inhibited biofilm production of Lactobacillus spp this might be due to phytochemical compounds present. Neem plants may be combined with antibiotics to improve effectiveness in treatment of dental caries and plaques.