Amylases: Biofilm Inducer or Biofilm Inhibitor?

Abstract

Biofilm is a syntrophic association of sessile groups of microbial cells that adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces with the help of pili and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). EPSs also prevent penetration of antimicrobials/antibiotics into the sessile groups of cells. Hence, methods and agents to avoid or remove biofilms are urgently needed. Enzymes play important roles in the removal of biofilm in natural environments and may be promising agents for this purpose. As the major component of the EPS is polysaccharide, amylase has inhibited EPS by preventing the adherence of the microbial cells, thus making amylase a suitable antimicrobial agent. On the other hand, salivary amylase binds to amylase-binding protein of plaque-forming Streptococci and initiates the formation of biofilm. This review investigates the contradictory actions and microbe-associated genes of amylases, with emphasis on their structural and functional characteristics.

Salivary Enzymatic Activity and Carious Experience in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…They emphasized that there might be a bi-directional influence, since low levels of sAA may promote dental caries, but dental caries may also decrease sAA activity [48]. In addition, sAA had been shown to exert antibiofilm efficacy [49]. Another study evaluating preschoolers, showed that sAA activity was 1.7 times higher in children without carious lesions compared to children affected by ECC.…”

Chemical Barrier Proteins in Human Body Fluids

“…Amylases are mostly known by their hydrolytic activity on polysaccharides, and due to their hydrolytic activity, amylases can inhibit biofilm formation by cleaving the polysaccharide backbone of extracellular polymeric substances [ 116 ]. At the same time, there is evidence showing that amylase can bind to the amylase-binding protein of Streptococcus species and induce biofilm formation [ 116 ]. Therefore, the function of amylase in the biofilm formation is still unclear.…”

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“…Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are most important in the formation of biofilm. The biofilm contains proteins and nucleic acids; it stabilizes the microbial association and contributes nutrients to the sessile microbial communities (Lahiri et al 2021c). EPS contains various types of cationic and anionic molecules, such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteins that provide protection from invasion of the motile cells into the biofilm interior.…”

“…The breakdown of carbohydrate residues in the biofilm weakens the association between microbes and the host surface. Amylases can be used as antimicrobial components to denature the biofilm and restriction of pathogenesis (Lahiri et al 2021c).…”