biostudies-literatureAlomeir NNIDCR NIH HHSNational Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research105582https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9729470biostudies-literatureUnknown145<h4>Objective</h4>To assess the effect of Nystatin on Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans duo-species biofilms using an in vitro cariogenic biofilm model.<h4>Design</h4>Biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs under high sugar challenge (1 % sucrose and 1 % glucose), with inoculation of 10⁵CFU/ml S. mutans and 10³CFU/ml C. albicans. Between 20 and 68 h, biofilms were treated with 28,000 IU Nystatin solution, 5 min/application, 4 times/day, to mimic the clinical application. Biofilm's three-dimensional structure was assessed using multi-photon confocal microscopy. The expression of C. albicans and S. mutans virulence genes was assessed via real-time PCR. Duplicate discs were used in 3 independent repeats. t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare outcomes between treatment and control group.<h4>Results</h4>Nystatin treatment eliminated C. albicans in biofilms at 44 h. Nystatin-treated group had a significant reduction of biofilm dry-weight and reduced S. mutans abundance by 0.5 log CFU/ml at 44 and 68 h (p < 0.05). Worth noting that biomass distribution across the vertical layout was altered by Nystatin treatment, resulting in less volume on the substrate layers in Nystatin-treated biofilms compared to the control. Reduction of microcolonies size and volume was also observed in Nystatin-treated biofilms (p < 0.05). Nystatin-treated biofilms formed unique halo-shaped microcolonies with reduced core EPS coverage. Furthermore, Nystatin-treated biofilms had significant down-regulations of S. mutans gtfD and atpD genes (p < 0.05).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Nystatin application altered the formation and characteristics of C. albicans and S. mutans duo-species biofilms. Therefore, developing clinical regimens for preventing or treating dental caries from an antifungal perspective is warranted.Archives of oral biologyEffect of Nystatin on Candida albicans - Streptococcus mutans duo-species biofilms.PMC9729470R01DE031025R01 DE031025K23 DE027412K23DE027412Alomeir NFadaak AXiao JMalmstrom HZeng YWu TTfalseEffect of Nystatin on Candida albicans - Streptococcus mutans duo-species biofilms.<h4>Objective</h4>To assess the effect of Nystatin on Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans duo-species biofilms using an in vitro cariogenic biofilm model.<h4>Design</h4>Biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs under high sugar challenge (1 % sucrose and 1 % glucose), with inoculation of 10⁵CFU/ml S. mutans and 10³CFU/ml C. albicans. Between 20 and 68 h, biofilms were treated with 28,000 IU Nystatin solution, 5 min/application, 4 times/day, to mimic the clinical application. Biofilm's three-dimensional structure was assessed using multi-photon confocal microscopy. The expression of C. albicans and S. mutans virulence genes was assessed via real-time PCR. Duplicate discs were used in 3 independent repeats. t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare outcomes between treatment and control group.<h4>Results</h4>Nystatin treatment eliminated C. albicans in biofilms at 44 h. Nystatin-treated group had a significant reduction of biofilm dry-weight and reduced S. mutans abundance by 0.5 log CFU/ml at 44 and 68 h (p < 0.05). Worth noting that biomass distribution across the vertical layout was altered by Nystatin treatment, resulting in less volume on the substrate layers in Nystatin-treated biofilms compared to the control. Reduction of microcolonies size and volume was also observed in Nystatin-treated biofilms (p < 0.05). Nystatin-treated biofilms formed unique halo-shaped microcolonies with reduced core EPS coverage. Furthermore, Nystatin-treated biofilms had significant down-regulations of S. mutans gtfD and atpD genes (p < 0.05).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Nystatin application altered the formation and characteristics of C. albicans and S. mutans duo-species biofilms. Therefore, developing clinical regimens for preventing or treating dental caries from an antifungal perspective is warranted.2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Jan2025-04-04T12:19:17.787Z2025-04-04T12:19:17.787ZS-EPMC97294703639556410.1016/j.archoralbio.2022.105582