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Dextran degrading activity of oral microbial flora
The Bulletin of Tokyo Medical and Dental University
|March 1, 1976
Summary
Human oral microflora possesses dextran-degrading enzymes, crucial for breaking down dextran. Anaerobic cultures showed higher activity, with specific enzymes identified from plaque samples.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Enzymology
- Oral Health
Background:
- Dextran, a polysaccharide, is a major component of dental plaque.
- The human oral microbiome plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism.
- Understanding dextran degradation is relevant to oral hygiene and preventing dental caries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dextran-degrading activity of human oral microflora.
- To characterize the enzymes responsible for dextran degradation.
- To identify microorganisms producing these enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of plaque and saliva samples in TYD broth.
- Aerobic and anaerobic culture conditions were employed.
- Enzyme extraction using ammonium sulfate precipitation and characterization of enzyme activity and optimal pH.
Main Results:
- All samples exhibited dextran-degrading activity, with anaerobic cultures showing higher activity.
- Crude enzyme extracts (E-1 and E-2) contained distinct dextran-degrading enzymes.
- E-1 contained both endo- and exo-dextranases, while E-2 contained an endo-dextranase.
- Thirteen dextranase-producing strains were isolated and identified as Bacteroides oralis-like organisms.
Conclusions:
- The human oral microflora possesses significant dextran-degrading capabilities.
- Specific endo- and exo-dextranases are produced by oral bacteria.
- Bacteroides oralis-like organisms are key producers of dextranase in the oral cavity.