Effects of 3-(4'-geranyloxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-2-trans propenoic acid and its ester derivatives on biofilm formation by two oral pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 3-(4'-geranyloxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-2-trans propenoic acid, active principle isolated from Acronychia baueri Schott, and its ester derivatives on biofilm formation by two important oral pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans. The parent acid and conjugates with vanillic acid, 2-hydroxynaphthoquinone and guaiacol caused a significant and reproducible inhibition of P. gingivalis biofilm formation. This effect could be related to the ability of the compounds to inhibit bacterial growth. These compounds also efficiently caused a reduction of biofilm formation by S. mutans, a phenomenon not related to growth inhibition. These data suggest that 3-(4'-geranyloxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-2-trans propenoic acid and some of its ester derivatives may have a therapeutic/preventive potential for oral infections.