Bacterial extracellular polymeric substances as potential saliva substitute
Piotr Kardas1, Monika Astasov-Frauenhoffer1, Olivier Braissant2
1Department Research, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel UZB, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 40, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
FEMS Microbiology Letters
|March 21, 2022
Summary
Researchers identified five oral bacteria strains that produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with saliva-like lubrication. These EPS could serve as effective saliva substitutes, with some strains offering probiotic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
- Oral Health
Background:
- Saliva substitutes are needed to manage xerostomia (dry mouth).
- Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from bacteria show potential for lubrication.
- Identifying oral commensal bacteria producing functional EPS is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize oral commensal bacteria capable of producing EPS with saliva-like lubrication.
- To evaluate the calcium dissolution properties of bacterial EPS.
- To assess the rheological and tribological properties of bacterial EPS compared to saliva.
Main Methods:
- Collection of saliva and plaque samples from healthy individuals.
- Conventional culturing, Gram-staining, and MALDI-TOF identification of bacterial isolates.
- Quantification of EPS production and measurement of calcium dissolution.
- Rheological and tribological testing of EPS against human saliva.
Main Results:
- Five bacterial strains isolated: Lactobacillus gasseri (DSM32453, DSM32455), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (DSM32452), Lactobacillus paracasei (DSM32454), and Streptococcus sanguinis (DSM32456).
- All strains produced significant amounts of EPS (413.6–877.6 µg/ml).
- EPS exhibited comparable viscosity and lubrication properties to human saliva, with minimal to no calcium dissolution.
Conclusions:
- Isolated bacterial strains produce EPS with functional properties similar to saliva.
- These EPS can potentially serve as effective saliva substitutes.
- Four of the five strains are probiotic, suggesting additional oral health benefits.
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