Newswise — BEER-SHEVA, Israel, June 29, 2023 –A recent study published in the journal Antibiotics highlights an exciting discovery made by scientists from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sichuan University, and the National University of Singapore. Their research reveals that 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a naturally occurring molecule also known as bisindole, exhibits remarkable potential in combating plaque and dental cavities, which afflict a significant portion of the global population.
The human mouth serves as a breeding ground for bacteria, including the notorious S. mutans, a key contributor to the development of dental cavities. S. mutans thrives in the moist and sugary environment of the oral cavity, forming a biofilm that coats the teeth. This biofilm leads to the formation of plaque, attacking the enamel and resulting in cavities. However, the scientists' investigation found that DIM effectively disrupts this biofilm, reducing its presence by an impressive 90%. As a result, the growth of S. mutans is hindered, preventing the onset of cavities.
Moreover, beyond its significant impact on oral health, DIM also exhibits anti-carcinogenic properties. This natural molecule holds great promise for combating both dental issues and potential carcinogenic risks.
The groundbreaking findings from this collaborative research shed light on new possibilities for enhancing dental care. While toothpastes, mouthwashes, and regular checkups contribute to oral health maintenance, the discovery of DIM's biofilm-disrupting capabilities opens up avenues for further advancements in dental treatment and prevention.
Lead author Prof. Ariel Kushmaro from the Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, along with his colleagues, has discovered that the molecule 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) has the potential to significantly improve dental hygiene. The molecule, known for its low toxicity, could be incorporated into toothpastes and mouthwashes. Prof. Kushmaro, who is also affiliated with the Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology and the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change, conducted the study alongside Yifat Baruch, Dr. Karina Golberg, Prof. Robert S. Marks, Qun Sun from Sichuan University, and Karina Yew-Hoong Gin from the National University of Singapore.
The research was supported by the International Research and Development Program of Sichuan (2019YFH0113) and SMART innovation grant ING-000398 (Singapore).
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