The antimicrobial effect against Streptococcus mutans of glass-ionomer cement containing polysaccharide gel from durian fruit-hulls

Authors :

• Suthapar Sri-arunotai D.D.S.
• Paiboon Techalertpaisarn D.D.S., Ph.D.
• Pasutha Thunyakitpisal D.D.S., Ph.D.
• Sunan Pongsamart B.Sc. (Pharmacy), Ph.D.

Abstract :

Objective To investigate the antimicrobial effect of glass-ionomer cement containing polysaccharide
gel from durian fruit-hulls against Streptococcus mutans in vitro.

Materials and methods The powder mixtures of 4.76, 7.50, 9.09 and 12.50 percent by weight of
polysaccharide gel from durian fruit-hulls and glass-ionomer cement were prepared as experimental
groups. Then, the test substances were mixed with the liquid part following the manufacturerûs
instructions and poured in the cylindrical brass mold with 3 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height.
Each group was composed of 6 specimens. Glass-ionomer cement alone was used as a negative control
group, while a mixture of 4.76 percent by weight of ampicillin and glass-ionomer cement was used as
a positive control group. The antimicrobial activity was determined by using the broth dilution
technique. Each specimen was dropped in Trypticase Soy Broth contained with 1 x 10⁵ CFU/ml of S.
mutans. Subsequently, they were incubated at 37 °C, 5% CO₂ for 4, 8 and 24 hours. Their survival
numbers were evaluated in comparison to the control groups using the drop plate method.

Results At 8 hours incubation period, glass-ionomer cement with polysaccharide gel from durian
fruit-hulls for 7.50, 9.09 and 12.50 percent established significant inhibitory effects (approximately 15
percent) against S. mutans (P < 0.05). At 24 hours, they had approximately 5 percent inhibitory effects
against S. mutans (P > 0.05), whereas, glass-ionomer cement and glass-ionomer cement with 4.76
percent polysaccharide gel from durian fruit-hulls showed no inhibitory effect against S. mutans.

Conclusion The glass-ionomer cement with 7.50, 9.09 and 12.50 percent by weight polysaccharide
gel from durian fruit-hulls for showed significant inhibitory effects against S. mutans at 8 hours
incubation.

(CU Dent J. 2008;31:193-200)

Keywords :
antimicrobial activity; durian fruit-hulls; glass-ionomer cement; polysaccharide gel; Streptococcus mutans