Abstract: Objective: To construct water-soluble Farnesol nano-micelle and study its antibacterial effect on streptococcus mutans. Methods: Farnesol micelles were prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion method. Particle size, polymer dispersion coefficient (PDI), and zeta potential were measured by Marvin laser particle size analyzer. It’s stability, water solubility, and in vitro release behavior were investigated. The effect of Farnesol nano-micelles on the morphology of streptococcus mutans plaque biofilm was evaluated by SEM. The calcium ion concentration in the bacterial suspension was detected by microplate method, and the inhibitory effect of Farnesol nano-micelles on acid production and enamel demineralization of streptococcus mutans was investigated. Results: Farnesol nano-micelle aqueous solution was clarified without precipitation. The particle size was (19.78±0.21) nm, the zeta potential was (-12.2±0.4) mV, the PDI was (0.089±0.040), the drug loading was (8.3±0.5) %, the encapsulation rate was (46.89±1.10) %, and the cumulative release was 70% at 12h. The nanometer micelle could inhibit the formation of plaque biofilm by streptococcus mutans, reduce the acid-producing capacity, and inhibit the demineralization of enamel in a concentration-dependent way. Conclusion: Farnesol micelles are well prepared and have the characteristics of water solubility, stability, and slow release. It can inhibit the growth of streptococcus mutans and reduce its acid producing capacity, which has important clinical value for the prevention and treatment of caries.

Key words: Farnesol, micelle, streptococcus mutans, plaque biofilm, bacteria produce acid