Open AccessEffects of Dextranases on Attachment of Streptococcus mutans to Hydroxyapatite
Author(s) -
Lloyd G. Simonson,
D. Jackola
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.07
H-Index - 259
eISSN - 1070-6283
pISSN - 0066-4804
DOI - 10.1128/aac.16.1.9
Subject(s) - dextranase , streptococcus mutans , fusarium , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , glucan , penicillium , adsorption , enzyme , biochemistry , food science , bacteria , biology , organic chemistry , botany , genetics
AFusarium dextranase and aPenicillium dextranase were compared for their relative ability to quantitatively reduce the adsorption of3 H-labeledSteptococcus mutans cells onto hydroxyapatite.Fusarium dextranase-treated hydroxyapatite disks caused a statistically significant decrease in the hydroxyapatite adsorption of both the OMZ 176 and NCTC 10449 strains ofS. mutans relative to untreated control disks. The extent of initial bacterial adsorption was not promoted by sucrose-dependent glucan synthesis. Since theFusarium dextranase has a much greater affinity for hydroxyapatite than thePenicillium dextranase, it could represent an enzyme with improved decay-preventive therapeutic properties. This was concluded because theFusarium dextranase may interfere with both the initial attachment and later glucan-dependent accumulation of dental plaque microorganisms.