Antibacterial substance in toothpaste
You know, an antibacterial substance in toothpaste may fight against a severe lung disease cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a hereditary disease, nearly one in each 2,500 to 3,500 people diagnosed at an early age. It brings thick mucus in the lungs, which turns into a magnet for microorganisms.
According to researchers from Michigan state university, triclosan, a substance that reduces bacteria growing, combined with an antibiotic tobramycin, it kills the cells that protect the CF bacteria, known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, by up to 99.9 percent.
Chris Waters, lead author of the study, said, this bacterium protected by a biofilm that allows the disease to develop even when treated with antibiotics. However, we are approaching the findings to kill these biofilms.
Biofilms in petri dishes
In investigation, researchers cultivate 6000 biofilms in petri dishes, included tobramycin along with other different compounds, to perceive what worked better at killing the bacteria. In results, 25 potential compounds are effective, but one stood out.
Researchers said, we found triclosan was the one that worked without come up short. Due to its antibacterial properties, triclosan has used in soaps and other commercial products.
Recently, the FDA ruled to constrain its use in soaps due to insufficient data on its increased effectiveness. In medical care, its use in toothpaste is safe and highly effective in fighting gingivitis, and it still approved for use.
Constraining its use is the proper activity. The key is to avoid creating resistance to a substance so when it’s found in various items, the chances of that happening increase.
Currently, Tobramycin, the most widely used treatment for CF, but it typically doesn’t clear the lung infection. Researchers said, these findings give doctors another potential option and allows them to use significantly less of the tobramycin in treatment, potentially reducing its use by 100 times.
