Research

As the national university, we champion and support innovative research that addresses the country’s most pressing challenges.

09 Feb 2026

The annual economic value of primary bioresources in Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park is estimated at ₱42.7 million

Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP) in the Philippines is a vital protected area that supports a rich diversity of...

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06 Feb 2026

Inflation in the Philippines is often driven by factors beyond the direct control of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Inflation is a persistent economic concern that affects everyone in the Philippines, especially the poor. This study looks at what...

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05 Feb 2026

Yeasts collected from Mount Makiling can be viable sources of biofuel

In the quest for sustainable energy sources, scientists are increasingly turning to nature for solutions. A recent study published in...

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04 Feb 2026

Philippine regions differ in their pace of rural transformation, from lagging areas to those shifting beyond agriculture and a few with integrated rural–urban economies

This rural transformation study conducted in the Philippines provides a comprehensive understanding of the status and progress of the country’s...

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03 Feb 2026

A simple artificial intelligence method makes it possible to digitally restore severely degraded historical architectural drawings

Historical architectural drawings are important records of our cultural heritage, but many have been damaged or degraded over time. For...

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02 Feb 2026

New tool helps high school educators assess how well students think in an integrated, transdisciplinary way

In today’s world, solving big problems like climate change, global health, and social inequality requires thinking that extends beyond a...

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30 Jan 2026

Burong isda (fermented fish), indigenous to the Philippines, has probiotic potential for digestive and immune health

Fermented foods in the Philippines, such as burong isda (fermented fish), are not only part of our culinary heritage but...

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29 Jan 2026

The strength and structure of three commercially important bamboo species in the Philippines vary greatly by location

Timber shortages in the Philippines have increased demand for alternative materials such as bamboo, which is used as a substitute...

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28 Jan 2026

Researchers develop a model that helps companies make smarter choices in carbon trading

Carbon trading is a mechanism that allows entities to sell or purchase credits which indicate the right to emit carbon...

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27 Jan 2026

Around 1,500 social media influencer accounts were involved in covert or under-the-radar campaigning during the 2022 Philippine presidential elections

This study estimates the number of social media influencers on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube, and the amount of money...

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26 Jan 2026

Re-industrializing the domestic production base can greatly strengthen economic diversification in the Philippines

This paper builds on the broad argument that economic diversification can drive industrial upgrading and growth in an emerging economy...

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23 Jan 2026

Most students recognize the relevance of learning competencies in chemistry to sustainable development

Chemistry is deeply interconnected with various aspects of sustainability. However, enabling students to analyze these interconnections requires adequate support in...

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Research

Cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for numerous health problems, including respiratory infections and cancers. It is also associated with poor oral health and an increased risk of dental caries. Studies have shown that smoking promotes the growth and colonization of oral pathogens linked to dental caries, particularly Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans adheres to tooth surfaces and forms biofilms, enabling it to colonize the dental surface. In the presence of fermentable carbohydrates, S. mutans causes damage to the tooth’s hard structure.

To mitigate the adverse effects of smoking cigarettes on human health, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has been introduced as an alternative. However, there is a lack of information regarding the effect of e-cigarettes on humans, including their effect on oral health. Little is known about their effects on the oral microbiota, particularly on those associated with dental caries. This study aimed to determine the effects of e-cigarettes on the primary bacterial contributor to dental caries, S. mutans. Specifically, we report the effects of e-cigarette liquid on the growth, biofilm formation, lactic acid production, and stress tolerance of S. mutans.

Our results showed a decrease in S. mutans growth with increasing e-liquid concentrations. Notably, e-liquid concentrations of 10% or higher completely inhibited S. mutans growth, regardless of nicotine content. Biofilm formation, lactic acid production, and survival in acid and oxidative-stressed environments were only minimally affected at the sub-inhibitory concentration of 5%, regardless of nicotine content. These findings suggest that e-cigarettes may have a limited effect on the physiology of S. mutans. However, it is important to emphasize that e-cigarettes are not without health risks and that their long-term health effects warrant further investigation.

Authors: Jann Eldy L. Daquioag (Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman), Luis Miguel R. Foronda (East Avenue Medical Center), and Gil M. Penuliar (Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Read the full paper: https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/effects-of-electronic-cigarette-liquid-on-the-growth-biofilm-formation-lactic-acid-production-and-stress-tolerance-of-streptococcus-mutans/