Streptococcus mutans biofilms induce metabolite-mediated corrosion of 316 L stainless steel in a simulated oral environment

316 L stainless steel is regularly used as an orthodontic material for braces and dental crowns due to its low toxicity and cost. This study investigated the corrosive effects of the common oral pathogen, Streptococcus mutans, on 316 L stainless steel using various electrochemical measurements, surface examination, characterization techniques, and gene expression analyses. Results showed that S. mutans caused severe pitting corrosion in an anaerobic environment with high sucrose due to production of organic acids. This suggests that microbiologically influenced corrosion of 316 L stainless steel may occur in vivo, which could potentially negatively impact overall health.

Automated summary

This study found that Streptococcus mutans can cause severe pitting corrosion of 316 L stainless steel in anaerobic environments with high sucrose, potentially impacting overall health negatively.