Modulation of the in situ pellicle by alkanna tinctoria roots in oleum oliva (olive oil)

• Applicant: Dr. Jasmin Kirsch
• Subject Area: Dentistry, Oral Surgery
• Term: from 2019 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 426852015

Introduction: The incidence of caries and erosion is based on bioadhesion processes at the tooth surface. Thereby, the pellicle serves as a mediator of these physiological and pathophysiological processes and the tooth surface. It is possible to modify intentionally the pellicle layer by the application of biological or biomimetic preparations in order to improve the protective properties, like the protective effect against erosion. Further, the adhesion of microorganisms can be reduced. Aims: The proposed clinical-experimental study aims to examine the application of lipid micelles from olive oil as a possible biological transport system for bioactive substances from Alkanna tinctoria roots. Furthermore, the effect of Alkanna tinctoria roots in olive oil on the initial oral bioadhesion will be evaluated under in situ conditions. Thereby, a main focus will be the applicability of Alkanna tinctoria roots in olive oil as a protection against erosion, the modification of the pellicle ultrastructure and the possible reduction of initial bacterial colonization.Methods: Bovine enamel slabs will be carried intraorally (n= 6 subjects). After 1 min of pellicle formation, the subjects rinse with 10 ml of the test solutions (control without rinsing, Alkanna tinctoria roots in olive oil, Alkanna tinctoria roots without olive oil) for 10 min. Afterwards, the following experiments will be carried out per test solution and per subject: Enzyme activity measurements of amylase, lysozyme, peroxidase and GTF. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy to visualize bacterial adhesion and photometrical measurements of calcium/phosphate release will be performed. In addition, a visualization of lipid micelles in the pellicle ultrastructure and the pellicle ultrastructure after incubation with HCL will take place in 4 subjects with transmission electron microscopy.Perspective: The investigations will contribute fundamentally to the understanding of the modification of oral bioadhesion processes. Furthermore, the combination of lipid micelles and the potent substances from Alkanna tinctoria roots could serve as a basis for the development of innovative biological approaches in preventive dentistry.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Christian Hannig