[Synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides by various forms of Streptococcus salivarius]

Streptococcus salivarius synthesizes extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) from saccharose under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Under aerobic conditions primarily soluble fructanes are formed. There are no differences between the EPS synthesized by r- and s-forms under aerobic conditions; anaerobically the s-forms produce more EPS and more fructane than the r-forms. As compared to streptococcus mutans, the streptococcus salivarius produces considerably more fructane and insoluble glucane under the conditions used.