Maple polyphenol shows promise in preventing dental biofilms

Dental Tribune International

Mon. 1. September 2025

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WASHINGTON, US: Natural compounds continue to attract attention as potential alternatives to synthetic agents in caries prevention. A research team at the University of Wyoming in Laramie in the US has identified a maple-derived compound that is a potent inhibitor of Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. The study suggests that this organic compound could be incorporated into oral care products as a safe, natural anti-biofilm agent, especially for young children.

The study builds on previous research into plant polyphenols with anti-biofilm properties. The research team found that certain compounds from maple wood and sap inhibit sortase A, an enzyme that attaches surface proteins to bacterial cell walls, preventing S. mutans from attaching to tooth surfaces.

“Since S. mutans initiates cavities by forming biofilms on teeth and producing acid that destroys enamel, we asked: could maple polyphenols also inhibit S. mutans biofilms? That question drove this study,” co-author Dr Mark Gomelsky, Martha Gilliam Professor of Microbiology and director of the microbiology programme at the university, said in a press release.

Laboratory tests confirmed that maple-derived polyphenol (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) binds to and inhibits sortase A, effectively blocking S. mutans biofilm formation on both synthetic tooth models and hydroxyapatite disks. ECG was also found to be more effective than the green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, which is already used in some dental products.

The researchers believe that incorporating ECG into dental products could offer an alternative to conventional approaches that focus on killing bacteria or remineralising enamel. “The anti-biofilm approach using edible polyphenols is especially appealing for young children,” Prof. Gomelsky explained, because of the risk of toxicity with conventional mouthwashes. A safer alternative, such as a mouthwash containing an effective dose of an edible polyphenol, could provide protection without harmful side effects,” he concluded.

Besides its safety profile, maple-derived ECG offers the key advantage of cost-effectiveness and does not stain tooth surfaces. The team is now working through a university startup to develop plant polyphenol-based dental formulations.

The study, titled “Maple polyphenols inhibit sortase and drastically reduce Streptococcus mutans biofilms”, was published online on 7 August 2025 in Microbiology Spectrum, ahead of inclusion in an issue.