Antibacterial activity of papain against Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175

Papain is an enzyme extracted from papaya plants (Carica papaya L), including Caricaceae family. This enzyme shows a broad proteolytic activity against the protein, short chain peptides, amino acid ester and amid, including bacterial cell wall. The purpose of this study is to produce a proper papain concentration to inhibit the growth of or kill Streptococcus mutans. The type of research is an experimental laboratory by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) with a dilution method, and measured using a microplate reader. Papain’s minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) papain against Streptococcus mutans was 7.5% and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 15%. Papain has antibacterial activity to Streptococcus mutans.