Oxidation of Human Plaque Biomolecules by an Anti-bacterial Ozone-generating Device.

M.GROOTVELD*, A. BAYSAN, C. SILWOOD and E. LYNCH. (Health and Health Care Research Centre, School of Dentistry, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland.)

Ozone (O3) is one of nature’s most powerful oxidants which accounts for its ability to kill bacteria, spores and viruses. Uniquely, this oxidant decomposes to a harmless, non-toxic and environmentally safe molecule (oxygen). In this investigation a multicomponent evaluation of the oxidative consumption of plaque biomolecules by O3 has been conducted using high-resolution proton (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Single plaque specimens were collected from each of 12 patients, weighed on a microbalance and then divided into two equivalent portions. The first of these was treated with O3 generated from the above device for a period of 10 s; the second group of portions served as controls. Samples were subjected to 1H NMR analysis at an operating frequency of 600 MHz. Results acquired revealed that O3 treatment gave rise to the oxidative decarboxylation of the electron donor pyruvate (generating acetate and CO2 as products), and the oxidation of the volatile sulphur compound precursor methionine to its corresponding sulphoxide. Moreover, evidence for the O3-mediated oxidation of 3-Dhydroxybutyrate was also obtained. Multicomponent analysis of human plaque by high field 1H NMR spectroscopy provides valuable molecular information regarding the oxidising capacity of O3. Since pyruvic acid is a powerful proton donor (Ka = 3.20 mM), and hence may be associated with tooth demineralisation processes, its oxidative consumption by O3 may represent a useful therapeutic role for this oxidant.