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Polymethyl methacrylate microplastics affect oral microbiota diversity and Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation

Frontiers in Microbiology 2026

Summary

Researchers found that polymethyl methacrylate microplastics alter oral microbiota diversity and enhance Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation through ABC transporter, quorum sensing, and purine metabolism pathways, while also increasing bacterial antibiotic tolerance — suggesting a potential role for dental plastic materials in oral disease risk.

Polymers

Introduction: have been widely identified as the primary etiological agents responsible for caries pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PMMA-MPs on oral microbiota closely associated with dental caries. Methods: experiments. Results: . Transcriptomic analysis revealed that PMMA-MPs may promote biofilm formation through pathways including ABC transporters, quorum sensing, and purine metabolism. Additionally, PMMA-MPs exposure enhanced bacterial antibiotic tolerance. Discussion: biofilms.

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