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09:51
Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans
Published on: September 14, 2019
Malolactic fermentation by Streptococcus mutans
Jiangyun Sheng1, Robert E Marquis
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Center for Oral Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
FEMS Microbiology Letters
|May 11, 2007
Summary
Certain oral bacteria, like Streptococcus mutans, can perform malolactic fermentation. This process uses L-malate to produce lactic acid, reducing acidity and potentially alkalinizing dental plaque.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Streptococcus mutans is a key oral bacterium implicated in dental caries.
- Oral lactic-acid bacteria possess metabolic pathways that influence the oral environment.
- Understanding bacterial fermentation is crucial for developing strategies to manage oral pH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the malolactic fermentation capability of Streptococcus mutans and other oral bacteria.
- To determine the impact of malolactic fermentation on acidity and pH in oral conditions.
- To assess the potential of malolactic fermentation for dental plaque alkalinization.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Streptococcus mutans UA159 in suspensions and biofilms with L-malate.
- Measuring malolactic fermentation activity and pH changes.
- Assessing the effect of malate on bacterial survival and ATP levels under stress.
- Evaluating the influence of fluoride and triclosan on the fermentation process.
Main Results:
- Streptococcus mutans and other oral bacteria can perform malolactic fermentation, converting L-malate to L-lactic acid and reducing acidity.
- The fermentation is inducible by L-malate and optimal at pH 4.0 in S. mutans.
- Malate protects S. mutans against acid stress and maintains ATP levels during starvation.
- Malolactic fermentation leads to alkalinization, but is inhibited by fluoride and triclosan.
Conclusions:
- Malolactic fermentation by oral bacteria has the potential to alkalinize dental plaque.
- This process could be a novel strategy for managing oral acidity.
- The sensitivity of this fermentation to common oral care ingredients like fluoride and triclosan needs consideration.
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