Valorisation of Pineapple Core Waste-Derived Bromelain as a Sustainable Bioactive Agent Against Periodontitis-Associated Biofilms

Author : Nursyamimi Nasuha Suhaimi

Abstract :Bromelain, a cysteine protease enzyme complex naturally present in pineapple (Ananas comosus), possesses notable proteolytic properties. In this study, bromelain extracted from MD2 pineapple core waste was explored as a natural bioactive compound for mitigating biofilm-associated oral infections. The persistent biofilm formation underlying periodontitis represents a significant therapeutic challenge, thereby highlighting the potential of enzymatic agents such as bromelain for biofilm disruption. The effects of bromelain exposure on 3D-biofilm structure and bacterial morphology were evaluated using dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum, two major periodontopathogenic bacteria. Bromelain was isolated via ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by ultrafiltration, yielding ultrafiltrated bromelain (UFB). Microscopic visualization (40× magnification) demonstrated notable disruption of the biofilm structure, with reduced surface coverage and density

Keywords :Bromelain, Pineapple (Ananas comosus), Biofilm Disruption, Oral Infections, Periodontitis, Streptococcus mutans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Natural Bioactive Compounds, Enzymatic Therapy

Conference Name :International Conference on Sustainability, Technology and Leadership (ICOSTL-25)

Conference Place Tokyo, Japan

Conference Date 24th Dec 2025