Our experiment results show that Streptococcus mutans can be killed by synthetic AMPs and be detected using synthetic E.coli detector. Through previous experiments and literature research, the method developed in our project can be used for caries prevention and diagnosis.However, how do we implement our project in the real word？What kinds of products we need to development ? Our team consulted relevant information and communicated with stakeholders. They gave us many advice and we discussed the formation of the product many times(see the detail ,click here to human practice). Finally , we devloped a chewing gum that can prevent dental caries with expressed AMP or synthetic AMP probiotics. As the same time, we also developed an E.coli detect system,corresponding caries detection devices to be used at home for point-of-care testing (POCT). At the same time, we also developed a set of E.coli detector, which can be used in community hospitals, small clinics, and even home for dental caries diagnosis.
Chewing gum to prevent dental caries
Chewing gum is a soft, rubbery substance that’s designed to be chewed but not swallowed and People have been chewing gum in various forms for thousands of years. Chewing gum is increasingly being viewed for improving memory, increasing focus, alertness and concentration, weight manage, improving oral health and stress reduction. Over the years,chewing gum has gained increasing acceptance as a delivery system for active ingredients. So ,we prepared a chewing gum with the function of inhibiting S.mutans growth by adding the expressed antimicrobial peptides. We have also established a method for preparing probiotic chewing gum that lays the foundation for the subsequent preparation of synthetic probiotics that can continue to express antimicrobial peptides. Fig.1 is the picture of preparation chewing gum. Because , the chewing gum was added with probiotic .So we tested the CFU of the products. The result is showed in Fig.2.The results show that after 7 days under 37℃, the number of live bacteria can still survive 20%.It is indicate that it is feasible to develop products into probiotic chewing gum.
Fig.1 The picture of preparation chewing gum
Fig.2 CFU of the probiotic chewing gum
POCT system
As we all know, the diagnosis methods such as visual examination, temperature test and X-ray film only can be used in hospital and the cost is high. Even the current methods(Bacterial culture, PCR and ELISA) for detecting S.mutans also require special equipment and only be used in hospital. In our project ,we designed an E.coli detector to detect the specific severity of dental caries using visual inspection.
Based on the marketing research results, we designed a POCT test kit using our E.coli detector. In this kit ,we keep the broth in the detection tube, and put the dry powder of E.coli detector into the lid of the detection tube. We have a special design for the lid. When using, press the button on the lid to press the dry powder into the broth in the tube (Fig.3).
In order to culture E.coli and the S.mutans from oral sample. We also made a device, and according to the expert's suggestion and the team member's discussion, we have carried on the continuous improvement to the device. (Fig.4，see the detail, click here). In the new device, we changed the air bath scheme to metal bath device, and carefully designed the observation window, illumination, anaerobic culture, heating module, temperature control system, space sealing and other technologies. we also use touch screen intelligent control system to improve man-machine interactive technology. Fig.5 show that we Successfully cultivated the flora using our POCT test kit and device.
Fig.3 Design of the lid with engineered E.coli powder
Fig.4 The design of man-machine interactive
Successfully cultivated the E.coli? using our device
Fig.5 Colonies successfully cultivated