Nisin: A Promising Antimicrobial Peptide for Oral Health and Food Safety
Nisin is a low molecular weight antimicrobial peptide produced by Lactococcus lactis, composed of 34 amino acid residues with effective action against gram-positive bacteria. This peptide works by binding to cell membranes, forming pores, causing the leakage of intracellular nutrients, inhibiting cell wall synthesis, and activating autolytic enzymes. Considered a potentially effective agent against microbial pathogens, nisin is used as a safe food preservative.
First identified in milk cultures in 1928, nisin is the only bacteriocin approved by the FDA as a food biopreservative, with antimicrobial action not limited to food-derived microorganisms but also including bacteria, fungi, and treponemes associated with human diseases. With over 60 years of approved safety in foods, scientists and dentists are now exploring its potential in oral health.
Recently, nisin has been studied in the field of oral health, demonstrating effectiveness against cavities, periodontal diseases, and other oral infections. Additionally, it has been explored for its potential in treating oral cancer and preventing antibiotic resistance. Several studies have shown that nisin can be integrated into dental materials to improve antimicrobial activity.
The oral cavity hosts over 1000 microorganisms, where homeostasis is maintained through dynamic host-microbe interactions. With growing attention to its potential use in maintaining oral health and controlling diseases, nisin, nisin-containing dental materials, and nisin-producing probiotics are promising against dental caries, endodontic and periodontal diseases, and even oral cancer.
In conclusion, nisin represents a promising antimicrobial agent in the food sector and oral health. Continued research and development of nisin-based applications could lead to significant progress in preventing and treating oral diseases, contributing to improved public health.
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Source: Ka Teng Chan, Xin Song, Leyao Shen, Nian Liu, Xuedong Zhou, Lei Cheng, Jing Chen, Nisin and its application in oral diseases, Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 105, 2023, 105559, ISSN 1756-4646, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105559.
