Morin -based powder, derived from gouva leaves, apple peel and figs, can be gradually released using polymers and offers a possible antibiotic substitute.
A powder shaped by Morin, a natural compound found in Guava leaves, apple and fig peels, some teas and almonds, has shown antimicrobial, anti -inflammatory and antioxidant potential against the bacteria responsible for periods.
Researchers expect that the delivery of the substance through polymer for controlled release could support non -surgical treatments and serve as an alternative to antibiotics in harmful microorganisms management.
In laboratory experiments, scientists at the Araraquara Dental School at Sao Paulo State University in Brazil evaluated Morin in a multi-species biofilm consisting of different bacterial strains designed to imitate the effects of patients.
The results were published in Archives of oral biology. The study was carried out by Luciana Solera sales during her doctoral studies at Foar-Munes, under the supervision of Fernanda Lourenção Brrightti. FAPESP supported the study through doctoral and research practice abroad.
Other researchers involved in the study included Andréia Bagliotti Meneguin from the Araraquara School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCFAR) at UNESP. Hernane da Silva Barud from Araraquara University (Uniara); and Michael Robert Milward from Dentistry School in Birmingham University In England.
Development of oral hygiene platforms
“At the moment we have a thin dust taken through spray drying – which is the same equipment used for the manufacture of powder milk – which can be used to make different types of hygiene products.
Morin was chosen because it is a natural, cheap and easily accessible union.
“Morin is a flavonoid that can be obtained from various fruits, but just consumption is not enough. The substance must be treated.
Controlled Liberation and Improvement of the Product
Brightenti and her colleagues develop what she describes as platforms that allow various substances to act on diseases under investigation. He explains that this approach is important because most natural compounds do not easily dissolve in the water.
“We have a steady flow of saliva, we produce, on average, 1 milliliver saliva per minute, whatever we put in our mouths quickly removes from saliva, especially because it gives us an additional smell, which also gives us control and our stem and our tooth and our tooth.
In the case of Morin, the challenge was to optimize what the team had developed so far, making it more attractive to potential patients, while developing something scale for the industry.
“Our goal is also to provide an alternative to products currently available in the market that do not meet demand because they have some side effects reported by patients, such as taste changes and increased tartar accumulation, as well as stains on teeth with prolonged use,” Brigen adds.
“We started developing these systems in the form of tablets, films and microparticles, but until then, they were very large and impossible for oral use. In my doctorate, we tried to improve these products, making them smaller. In dentistry, sales explain.
World weight of oral disease
Periodontal disease develops when biofilm or bacterial plate accumulate in the teeth. This sticky layer, consisting of bacteria and food particles, can damage the gums over time.
Its advanced stage, known as periodontitis, is classified as the sixth most common chronic disease worldwide. Early symptoms may include bleeding, but as the condition worsens, it can eventually cause tooth loss.
Proper oral hygiene, including brushing, thread and the use of fluoride toothpaste, can significantly reduce this risk.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022, almost half of the world population (45%) suffers from oral diseases, it is about 3.5 billion people.
Researchers are planning to continue to test Morin first on animal models and then in clinical studies to explore his other properties.
“We noticed with the naked eye that in vitro biofilm who was treated with Morin in the laboratory is less colored than when treated in its free form.
Report: “Anti -inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Assessment of Morin” by sales of Luciana Solera, Benjamin Hewitt, Maria Muchova, Fernanda Lourenção Brigenti, Sarah A. Kuehne, Melissa M. Grant and Michael Milaward, 24 June 2025, 2025 Archives of oral biology.
DOI: 10.1016/J.archoralbio.2025.106343
Funding: Fundação de Amparo à pesquisa do estado de são paulo
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