ABSTRACT
Streptococcus mutans is a bacterium that has cariogenic potential to synthesize glucan extracellular polymers from sucrose, metabolize various carbohydrates into organic acids (acidogenecity), and maturate in condition with low pH values (aciduricity). Pineapple (Ananas comosus) contains bromelain enzyme, which is a proteolytic enzyme with the ability to aid human digestion, boost the immune system, improve cardiovascular conditions, accelerate healing from injuries, and exhibit anti-inflammatory, anticancer properties while also inhibiting the growth of bacteria. This study was performed to analyze the antibacterial activity of bromelain enzyme from pineapple knob against S. mutans ATCC 25175. Pineapple knobs were dried and extracted using the maceration method with water solvent, then followed by ammonium sulfate fractionation, dialysis, and ion exchange chromatography. Antibacterial testing was performed using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) dilution and MBC diffusion techniques with 72 hours of incubation time. Dilution tests using MIC can inhibit the growth of S. mutans up to a concentration of 12.5%. Diffusion test using MBC can inhibit the growth of S. mutans up to a concentration of 8%. The results of one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc showed significant differences (p<0.05) from the diameter of the clear zone, which indicated that bromelain enzyme concentration of 8% to 100% could inhibit the growth of S. mutans. Bromelain enzyme from pineapple knob can inhibit the growth of S. mutans effectively up to a concentration of 8%.
