Methods
Apigenin (Api, 5 mM) and tt-Farnesol (Far, 5 mM) were added alone, together, and combined with fluoride (F). Biofilm of S. mutans was grown on composite discs, and the dry-weight, bacterial viability, and the polysaccharides (alkali-soluble, intracellular and water-soluble) were quantified. CLSM images of the S. mutans biofilm were obtained after three years of water-storage. The effect of the additions on the physicochemical properties and the composite colorimetric parameters were also analyzed.
Results
The additions did not affect bacterial viability. Api alone and combined with Far or combined with Far and F decreased the bacterial dry-weight, alkali-soluble and intracellular polysaccharides. After three years, the composites containing the additions presented a greater EPS matrix on the top of biofilm. Statistical difference was obtained for the degree of conversion; however, the maximum polymerization rate and curing kinetics were unaffected by the additions. No difference was observed for the water-soluble polysaccharides, flexural strength, and elastic modulus. Api increased the yellowness of the composites. Significance: Api, alone and combined, reduced the expression of virulence of S. mutans without jeopardizing the physicochemical properties of the composites.
Significance
Api, alone and combined, reduced the expression of virulence of S. mutans without jeopardizing the physicochemical properties of the composites.