THE INFLUENCE OF PH ON THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF THERMOPHILIC BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM A MOUNTAIN CRATER IN WEST JAVA AGAINST STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS

Thermophilic bacteria that live in hot springs are a potential source of valuable biochemical capable of producing antibacterial regarding its ability to produce antimicrobial peptide (AMP). The study aims to investigate how pH affects the antibacterial activity of a bacterium isolated from a mountain crater in West Java against Streptococcus mutans, the predominant bacterium in the creation of oral biofilms. According to Buchanan and Gibbons, samples collected from the water of Mount TangkubanPerahus crater were identified. The ideal pH and incubation duration were ascertained using a disc diffusion antibacterial test against S. mutansATCC 25175, considering the diameter of the inhibitory zone. The sample was determined to be a Gram-positive bacterium that, at its ideal pH, forms the highest inhibitory zone, indicating antibacterial activity against S. mutans. At an optimum pH of 6-8, thermophilic bacteria isolated from a mountain crater in West Java have antibacterial activity against S. mutans.