The effect of arginine-fluoride varnish on biochemical composition of multi-species biofilm.

Abstract Objective To examine the biochemical components of multi-species biofilm on the arginine (Arg)-sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish-treated enamel following bacterial pH-cycling. Methods L-arginine (at 1%, 2%, & 4% w/v.) was incorporated in a 5% NaF varnish. The experimental and control groups were: 1%, 2%, 4% Arg-NaF, NaF, and no treatment. Enamel blocks were prepared, acid-etched, varnish-treated and then subjected to 72 h bacterial pH-cycling in an oral biofilm reactor. The organic (carbohydrates, proteins, amyloids, and eDNA) and inorganic components (calcium, inorganic phosphate, F) were assayed for the obtained biofilm suspensions. The biofilms were stained for exopolysaccharides (EPS)/bacteria and the respective proportions of live/dead bacteria was determined using confocal imaging. Results The total carbohydrate content of the biofilm was the lowest for the 2% and 4% Arg-NaF (p  Conclusion Higher concentrations (i.e. 2%/4%) of Arg in 5% NaF varnish have the potential to modulate the biochemical composition of the biofilm growing on the treated enamel.