Isolation and characterization of n-octacosanoic acid from Viburnum foetens: a novel antibiofilm agent against Streptococcus Mutans

The aim of this study was to isolate, characterize the antibiofilm agent from Viburnum foetens and to investigate it’s in vitro effects on cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans , a major caries causing microorganism. The compound was purified by silica gel chromatography and analyzed with IR, MS, 1 H, and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. Virulence attributes of S. mutans were assessed at different concentrations of the purified compound. Confocal microscopy was employed to investigate the effect on biofilm architecture. The purified compound was found to be n -octacosanoic acid and exhibited MIC of 80 μg/ml against S. mutans . At a concentration of 10 and 20 μg/ml, adherence to saliva-coated glass surface and ability to form biofilm were reduced to 50%. The n -octacosanoic acid profoundly changed the biofilm architecture and distorted the cell aggregating ability of S. mutans in a unique manner. The active compound, n -octacosanoic acid, demonstrated for the first time, potential antiplaque activity by inhibiting the adherence of S. mutans . The compound strongly inhibited biofilm formation of S. mutans and resulted in a reduction of water-insoluble glucans. These findings suggest that n -octacosanoic acid may have potential to prevent caries by limiting the overgrowth and biofilm formation of S. mutans .