Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol Modulate Cariogenic Virulence in Cross-Kingdom Biofilms In Vitro

We found that both CBD and CBG significantly inhibited S. mutans growth (MICs, 2.5-5 µg/mL), suppressed dual-species biofilm formation, disrupted mature biofilms, and reduced acidogenesis and EPS production. In CBD-treated biofilms, transcriptomic analysis showed altered expression of S. mutans genes involved in membrane and envelope homeostasis, quorum-sensing-like competence, mutacin production, and metabolic pathways.

While CBD had a limited impact on C. albicans viability in dual-species biofilms, it significantly altered the expression of virulence-related genes involved in central carbon metabolism, mannan biosynthesis, and stress responses. These findings indicate that CBD and CBG reprogrammed the cariogenic traits in S. mutans–C. albicans dual-species biofilms. Transcriptomic profiling further revealed changes in bacterial and fungal pathways associated with biofilm fitness and virulence-related phenotypes, supporting further evaluation of phytocannabinoids as modulators of polymicrobial dental biofilm phenotypes and warrant further in vivo validation.