The maintenance of a healthy balance of microorganisms in the mouth helps protect against infections.
Bacteria, fungi and viruses normally live within the mouth, many of which are beneficial, while some can cause disease. The maintenance of a healthy balance of microorganisms in the mouth helps protect against infections. However, many approaches for treating diseases, like oral thrush, involve using compounds that disrupt the microbial balance (Fig. 1).
A collaborative effort between the Cluster of Cancer Research Initiative IIUM (COCRII), at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and NFA Technologies Sdn. Bhd. successfully developed a new oral care product that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the mouth. The ultimate aim is to make a mouthwash that balances the oral microbiome (Fig. 2).
Figure 2. Banana skin and Streptococcus salivarius K12 are the two main ingredients used to make Micro-OroSYN mouthwash (Patent number: PI2019006842).
The product, called Micro-OroSYN, incorporates an advanced micro-encapsulation technique for the slow release of its active compounds.
A balanced microbiome can prevent oral diseases including oral candidiasis, dental caries and halitosis (Fig. 3). A recent study has also shown that a balanced oral microbiome can reduce the severity of covid-19 infection, indicating the relevance of the product. The advance micro-encapsulation technique allows the slow release of the active compounds, which increases the sensitivity of the product.
Figure 3. The effect of OroSYNTM formulation on Candida albicans biofilm. C. albicans in mono-cultured biofilm (left) was reduced significantly after treatment with OroSYN formulation (right).
The researchers hope Micro-OroSYN, which uses halal ingredients, will impact clinical medicine and disease management in Malaysia.It has won several awards, such as Kuantan Research Day 2019, the Malaysia-Croatia Technology Exchange 2020 and Malaysia Technology Expo 2020 and 2021.
The project was sponsored by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia:
(Grant no: PRGS/1/2020/SKK/08/UIAM/02/1).
For more information, please contact:
- Assistant Professor Ts Dr Mohd Hafiz Arzmi: [email protected]
- Ms Nurul Alia Risma Rismayuddin: [email protected]
- Assistant Professor Dr. Awis Sukarni Mohmad Sabere: [email protected]
- Assistant Professor Dr. Abd Almonem Doolaanea: [email protected]
- Assistant Prof Dr Ahmad Faisal Ismail: [email protected]
