Development and Efficacy of a Shrimp Shell-Derived Chitosan Mouthwash: Antimicrobial and Antiplaque Properties Against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus

Oral health is essential for general well-being, and mouthwash is a popular technique of plaque reduction.Shrimp shell-derived chitosan has the potential for use in oral healthcare.The objective of this work was to prepare chitosan from prawn shells, assess its production efficiency, and antimicrobial properties.The efficiency of a seafood-derived chitosan mouthwash in reducing Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and plaque development was also investigated.Chitosan was prepared from shrimp shells using a modified industrial method and analyzed through protein concentration measurements, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of chitosan against S. mutans was determined.A 2% chitosan solution showed in vitro inhibition of S. mutans and L. acidophilus.Twenty healthy volunteers (aged 18-25) were divided into control