Adsorption of Streptococcus mutans lipoteichoic acid to hydroxyapatite

Lipoteichoic acid extracted from cells of S. mutans strain BHT exhibited a high affinity for hydroxyapatite. Phosphate ions, fluoride ions and to a lesser extent human saliva inhibited or reversed this adsorption. Extracellular lipoteichoic acid preparations obtained from the supernatant of cultures of the same bacteria exhibited similar properties. It is suggested that lipoteichoic acids could play a significant role in the colonization of teeth by Gram-positive bacteria and thereby contribute to the formation and pathogenicity of dental plaque.