Citrullus lanatus rinds effect as antibacterial and antibiofilm agent to multispecies periodontopathogens Sheila Soesanto,1 Priska Natassya,1,* Johanna Augusta Wijaya,2 Wilbert Alvin Cokro Genesis 2
1Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Indonesia
** priska[at]trisakti.ac.id
2Undergraduate Student, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Indonesia
Abstract
Background: The coexistence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis within multispecies biofilms demonstrate greater pathogenicity than infections caused by single-species bacteria. These Gram-negative keystone pathogens contribute to the dysbiotic shift associated with periodontitis progression. Long-term use of chlorhexidine for periodontitis leads to resistance, tooth staining, and altered taste. Therefore, alternative treatments with fewer side effects are needed. Citrullus lanatus rind is often discarded as a major solid waste, but it contains significant phytochemicals which exhibits antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities to Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Objective: to determine the antibacterial and antibiofilm effect of C. lanatus rind ethanol extract against dual-species A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis. Methods: This was an experimental laboratory in vitro study with a post-test only control group design. Antibacterial test was conducted using microdilution and plate count assay and antibiofilm test using microtiter plate biofilm assay. The sample used were C. lanatus rind ethanol extract at various concentrations (3.125%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100%), distilled water, and BHI-B as negative control, and chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% as positive control. Results: C. lanatus rind ethanol extract demonstrated antibacterial and antibiofilm activity starting at consentration of 6.25%. Extract at 50% and 100% consentration were more effective than chlorhexidine in inhibiting the growth of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis. The highest inhibition of biofilm formation showed on 100% concentration at 3-hour incubation period. Conclusion: C. lanatus rind ethanol extract had the potential as an alternative antibacterial and antibiofilm agent against dual-species A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis
