RF2. Dental Biofilm Control
No need for fluoride - No disturbance of normal mouth flora
Oystershell and the University of Ghent (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Microbiology) proudly present the results of their cooperation into the field of dental plaque biofilm inhibition:
RF2 a novel anti-plaque compound of natural origin
Biofilms are defined as "a community of bacteria and their extracellular polymers" that are attached to a surface. They are sticky aggregates of bacteria that resist antibiotic treatment and contribute to chronic infections.
Dental plaque is an example of a biofilm, the plaque consists of several bacteria (with a preponderance of Streptococci) embedded in a sticky dextran matrix.
Filling a market niche
- Dental plaque (= biofilm) causes dental caries and periodontal disease.(1)
- Biofilm builds up around orthodontic bonding materials following placement of fixed orthodontic appliances, despite advances in orthodontic materials and techniques the development of enamel decalcification and dental caries around orthodontic appliances continues to be a problem.(1)
- Normal mouth flora is essential for our well-being (a stable bacterial community is very hostile to unwanted invaders).(2,3)
- RF2 disrupts oral biofilms without killing the oral bacteria. RF2 is safe (GRAS status + derived from a food-approved vegetable).
References
1. Chin MY, Busscher HJ, Evans R, Noar J, Pratten J. Early biofilm formation and the effects of antimicrobial agents on orthodontic bonding materials in a parallel plate flow chamber. Eur J Orthod 2006; 28(1):1-7.
2. Ruby J, Goldner M. Nature of symbiosis in oral disease. J Dent Res 2007; 86(1):8-11.
3. ten Cate JM. Biofilms, a new approach to the microbiology of dental plaque. Odontology 2006; 94(1):1-9.
Years of research
2002: Oystershell sponsored research at the University of Ghent (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Microbiology)
Scientists set up a dental plaque mimicking biofilm flow system with Streptococcus mutans. Streptococcus mutans is considered to be the primary cariogen within dental plaque. In this artificial mouth model hundreds of plant extracts and plant fractions were tested for their inhibitory potential on biofilm formation.
2007: A natural anti-plaque compound (purified from a vegetable) has been elucidated and patented by Oystershell, the compound was coded RF2
Picture of the dental plaque mimicking biofilm flow system (Modified Robbins Devices) Notice the clean surface (utter left) in the RF2-treated device versus the plaque-covered surface (utter right) in the control device.
RF2 underwent thorough testing
In vitro investigation:
a subinhibitory concentration of RF2 (sub-MIC= 390 µg/ml) inhibits plaque more effectively than chlorhexidine, triclosan or sodium fluoride at commercial concentrations found in toothpaste (in vitro test = dental plaque mimicking biofilm flow system)
Dental plaque reduction with RF2 is superior to fluoride and antimicrobials at commercial concentrations found in toothpaste.
- subinhibitory quantities of some antimicrobials and fluoride promote biofilm growth
- subinhibitory concentration of RF2 eradicates the biofilm without killing the bacteria
Dog experiment (2 x 9 beagles):
in a randomized, blinded trial (GLP-standard) the use of 20 mg RF2 twice daily (and for 2 weeks) tested statistically effective against dental plaque.
Logan & Boyce Modified Plaque Score |
||
Day |
Control group |
RF2 group |
-1 |
5.3 |
7.8 |
14 |
4.5 |
4.3 |
-15% |
-47% |
|
Even when the mechanical effect of treatment (= control group, -15%) was taken into account, RF2 was effective against dental plaque in beagle dogs (-47%).
Advantages of RF2 in oral health
- natural and safe compound (GRAS status)
- plaque control with respect for normal mouth flora
- biofilm disruption without killing the bacteria
- no need for fluoride in plaque control
- no need for relatively high concentrations of antimicrobial agents (chlorhexidine, hexitidine, triclosan) in plaque control
Keep updated
Biofilm growth attracted the attention of Oystershell employees since it is a major problem, not only on implanted medical devices but also on human tissues such as teeth (as explained above), lungs and urinary tract. Oystershell therefore continues to pursue biofilm related investigations, for gram+ as well as gram- applications.
Download RF2 onepager [1,13 MB - PDF]
