poster abstractAbstract
Tea polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have exhibited
antimicrobial properties. Fusobacterium nucleatum is an oral bacterium that is
associated with periodontal diseases. Biofilm adheres to the enamel surfaces of our
teeth as plaque. Biofilm formation in the oral cavity leads to many complications such as
caries and periodontal diseases. Those who smoke tend to have increased risk of
periodontal diseases and F. nucleatum biofilm formation. The objective of this research
was to determine the effects of EGCG (0.25 mg/ml) and varying concentrations of
nicotine (0-32 mg/ml) on F. nucleatum biofilm. The study was conducted by treating F.
nucleatum biofilm with various concentrations of nicotine (0-32 mg/ml) and EGCG.
Biofilm formation was measured using a crystal violet dye staining assay and a
spectrophotometer. Biofilm formation of F. nucleatum with EGCG and nicotine exhibited
a significant decrease in biofilm formation at low concentrations of nicotine (0-4 mg/ml).
EGCG alone without nicotine significantly reduces F. nucleatum biofilm formation.
EGCG can be added to dental treatments such as toothpaste and mouthwash for those
who smoke. Periodontal diseases lead to many health problems in other parts of the
body, therefore it is important to find ways to decrease biofilm formation of F. nucleatum
