ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF CITROFORTUNELLA M ICROCARPA EXTRACT ON STREPTOCOCCUS BACTERIAL GROWTH ON ORTHODONTIC BRACKETS

The antibacterial effect of calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) was explored in this study. Focusing on its ability to inhibit Streptococcus mutans growth on orthodontic brackets; as S. mutans is a key contributor to plaque accumulation during fixed orthodontic treatment. The literature noted that biofilm formation on metal and ceramic brackets increases caries risk, highlighting the need for natural microbial alternatives such as citrus extracts. This in vitro experiment evaluated whether calamansi (Citrofortunella macrocarpa) at varying concentrations, could reduce S. mutan bacterial growth on metal and ceramic orthodontic brackets. The study also aimed to identify the optimal concentration capable of producing significant bacterial inhibition and examined changes in antibacterial activity across different exposur periods (1, 3, and 7 days). Calamansi extract was freshly prepared and applied in concentration of 100%, 50%, and 25%, and bacterial growth was analysed through colony- forming unit (CFU) counts on BHI agar. Across all conditions, results demonstrated that a dose-dependent reduction in S. mutans growth, with 100% concentration showing the strongest inhibitory effect, and metal brackets consistently exhibiting slightly lower adhesion than ceramic brackets. Overall, the finding supports that calamansi extract as a promising, natural and cost effective antibacterial agent for orthodontic care, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical based products reducing plaque during treatment.