Development of Streptococcus mutans biofilm in the presence of human colostrum and 3′-sialyllactose

Aim: To evaluate the initial adhesion and formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilm in vitro in the presence of saliva, human colostrum and 3 '-sialyllactose. Methods: Human colostrum and salivas were collected from 30 mothers and newborn postpartum. Eighteen hours culture of S. mutans was treated with colostrum or 3 '-sialyllactose in three different moments: before, during, and after 24 h from the microbial inoculation. Salivas were also tested in conjunction with colostrum. The assays were realized in sterile 96-well flat-bottom microtiter plates for 24 h. The biofilms were fixed, washed, stained with crystal violet, and extracted. Absorbance was measured to evaluate biofilm growth mass. Results: Colostrum applied after and during the inoculation decreased biofilm formation when compared with the control (p < .05). The presence of saliva increased the biofilm biomass (p < .05). The application of 3 '-sialyllactose reduced biofilm formation independently of moments of application (p < .05). Conclusion: Saliva contributed to the proliferation of biofilm and colostrum did not prevent the initial adhesion, but interfered in the accumulation and development of microorganisms in biofilms. 3 '-sialyllactose significantly decreased biofilm formation. This information expands the importance of colostrum as a potent oral antimicrobial biofluid.