Project ID:TECH2023-37
Background
Streptococcus mutans is a bacterium that lives in the oral cavity of humans and is a major cause of caries, also known as dental cavities. In order to cause caries, the bacterium must form a biofilm. The biofilm creates a microenvironment in which the enamel of teeth is degraded and caries form. True anti-biofilm compounds (TABCs) are substances which inhibit or disperse biofilms without killing bacteria, thereby limiting selective pressure for the development of antibiotic resistance and avoiding regulatory scrutiny. It has been discovered that certain drugs can inhibit Streptococcus mutans from forming the biofilms necessary for the creation of dental cavities. These TABC compounds are therefore useful in a wide variety of dental products including, but not limited to, toothpastes, mouth washes, dental floss, dental gels, polishes, sealants, composite fillers, temporary cements, orthodontic bracket cements, dental gels, oral rinses, denture care products, dental sprays, implants, and endodontic sealers or packers, as well as food products such as chewing gum and candy, and also smokeless tobacco. As one example, the drug pranlukast is a TABC. Pranlukast is commercially available under the brand name Onon, has the following structural formula:
Invention Description
Scientists at the University of Toledo have developed a novel method of preventing dental cavities. The method is comprising administering, via various methods and approaches, an effective amount of a true anti-biofilm compound (TABC) into mouth of subject to prevent cavities, where the TABC comprises Pranlukast or Lithocholic Acid. In certain embodiments, the True Anti-Biofilm Compound is administered through a dental composition.
Applications
Advantages
IP Status: Patent Pending with USPTO