Antibacterial peptide nisin: a potential role in the inhibition of oral pathogenic bacteria

Peptides. 2014 Oct:60:32-40. doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.07.020. Epub 2014 Aug 1.

Abstract

Although the antimicrobial peptide nisin has been extensively studied in the food industry for decades, its application in the oral cavity remains to develop and evaluate its feasibility in treating oral common diseases. Nisin is an odorless, colorless, tasteless substance with low toxicity and with antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria. These biologic properties may establish its use in promising products for oral diseases. This article summarizes the antibacterial efficiency of nisin against pathogenic bacteria related to dental caries and root canal infection and discusses the combination of nisin and common oral drugs.

Keywords: Enterococcus faecalis; MTAD; MTADN; Nisin; Streptococcus mutans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mouth / drug effects*
  • Mouth / microbiology*
  • Nisin / administration & dosage
  • Nisin / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Nisin