Decrease of insoluble glucan formation in Streptococcus mutans by co-cultivation with Enterococcus faecium T7 and...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dentistry
• Microbiology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Dental plaque and volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) contribute to canine halitosis, cavities, and periodontal disease.
• Probiotics and enzymes offer novel strategies for managing oral health by targeting bacterial growth and metabolic by-products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel canine oral health biomaterials incorporating probiotics and glucanase.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these biomaterials in reducing insoluble glucan and VSC formation.

Main Methods:

• Co-cultivation of Enterococcus faecium T7 with Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacteria nucleatum.
• Addition of Lipomyces starkeyi glucanase to assess its impact on glucan production.
• Quantification of bacterial growth, glucan levels, and VSCs.

Main Results:

• Co-cultivation with E. faecium T7 reduced S. mutans growth by 25% and glucan production by 70% (soluble) and 55% (insoluble).
• Insoluble glucan levels decreased from 0.6 µg/ml to 0.03 µg/ml with E. faecium T7 and glucanase.
• E. faecium co-cultivation reduced VSCs produced by F. nucleatum.

Conclusions:

• Enterococcus faecium and glucanase show potential as active ingredients in pet oral care products.
• These components effectively reduce plaque-forming bacteria and their by-products, addressing cavity and periodontal disease risks.