Bioengineered chewing gum reduces HPV and head cancer bacteria

On August 4, 2026, researchers announced a bioengineered chewing gum that showed strong activity against microorganisms linked to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The study used saliva and mouthwash samples from patients diagnosed with the disease.

Bioengineered chewing gum and treatment prototype

The gum was produced from lablab bean gum and contains FRIL, a natural antiviral protein. Then, scientists inserted protegrin, an antimicrobial peptide, to confer activity against pathogenic bacteria.

Reduction of HPV in oral samples

Tests with gum extracts reduced HPV levels by up to 93% in saliva samples and by 80% in mouthwash samples, indicating significant efficacy against the virus associated with the global rise in oropharyngeal cancer.

Elimination of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria

With the inclusion of protegrin, a single dose of the gum virtually eliminated the quantities of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, two bacteria that worsen survival of untreated head and neck cancer patients.

Preservation of healthy oral microbiota

Unlike radiation therapy, which can reduce beneficial bacteria and promote the growth of Candida albicans, the gum did not affect the bacterial species normally present in the mouth, maintaining microbial balance.

Potential use as an adjuvant or prophylaxis

The authors suggest that the gum could serve as an additional therapy to conventional treatment or as a preventive measure to block infection and transmission. The work was led by Henry Daniell of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and published in the journal Scientific Reports.

With information from ScienceDaily.