Insoluble glucans synthesized by cariogenic streptococci: a structural study

Abstract

Of the three cariogenic streptococci grown in four various culture media, the strain Streptococcus mutans 20381 was found to produce large amounts of extracellular glucosyltransferase and water‐insoluble, adhesive exopolysaccharide when grown in batch culture on brain‐heart infusion broth. Methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses revealed that the insoluble polymers synthesized by the crude glucosyltransferase preparations were mixed‐linkage (1 → 3), (1 → 6)‐α‐D‐glucans (so‐called mutans) with a greater proportion of 1,3 to 1,6 linkages and major branch points of 3,6‐linked glucose. The percentage content of different types of linkages in glucans varied widely and depended on the strain of cariogenic bacteria used to produce glucosyltransferase, and on the kind of medium utilized to cultivate mutans streptococci. The potential application of insoluble glucan produced by mutans streptococci is discussed.

A procedure for characterizing glucans synthesized by purified enzymes of cariogenic Streptococcus mutans

“…According to the present yields of 2,4-Me 2 -Glc, the proportion of branch points was calculated to be 17% for soluble GtfD glucan and 8% for the insoluble GtfB glucan. These results are consistent with the data from other studies conducted on polysaccharides synthesized by S. mutans [9,13] but disagree with others [23,24]. However, future studies should be conducted in order to study this property.…”

Mixed-Species Genomic Microarray Analysis of Fecal Samples Reveals Differential Transcriptional Responses of Bifidobacteria in Breast- and Formula-Fed Infants

“…Streptococcus mutans 20381 is known to use glycosyltransferases to form polysaccharides, which are involved in the formation of biofilms and have been shown previously to be the major contributors to adherence (67). In this study, the expression of two putative glycosyltransferases, the BL1104 and BL1674 products, was detected in most of the samples, suggesting the in vivo production of polysaccharides that may also play a role in biofilm formation and the colonization of the host's intestine by bifidobacteria.…”

Antibacterial Activity and Inhibition of Adherence of Streptococcus mutans by Propolis Electrospun Fibers

“…S. mutans can produce acid and synthesizes waterinsoluble glucan by the action of glucosyltransferase (GTFase) which is the major source of dental plaque or biofilm. The biofilm encourages the aggregation of bacteria on the tooth surface and is the main factor that causes dental caries (6,7). The reduction of bacteria in the oral cavity and the prevention of biofilm formation or the removal of biofilm from tooth surfaces are important for the prevention of tooth decay.…”