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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans

Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans

Published on: September 14, 2019

Membrane Vesicles Improve Streptococcus mutans Early Biofilm Formation.

Yina Cao^1,2, Yue Li^1,2, Yinghong Zhou³

¹Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China.

|May 4, 2026

Summary

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) membrane vesicles (MVs) promote early dental plaque biofilm formation. These MVs enhance bacterial adhesion and viability, contributing to tooth decay development.

Keywords:

Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation membrane vesicles

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Last Updated: May 5, 2026

Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans

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Published on: September 14, 2019

An Analytical Tool-box for Comprehensive Biochemical, Structural and Transcriptome Evaluation of Oral Biofilms Mediated by Mutans Streptococci

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Published on: January 25, 2011

Concurrent Quantification of Cellular and Extracellular Components of Biofilms

Concurrent Quantification of Cellular and Extracellular Components of Biofilms

Published on: December 10, 2013

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Oral Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a primary cause of dental caries, forming biofilms on teeth.
Bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) influence biofilm development, but their role in S. mutans is poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of S. mutans-derived MVs in the early stages of S. mutans biofilm formation.
To characterize the physical properties and effects of S. mutans MVs on biofilm development.

Main Methods:

Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis for MV characterization.
Crystal violet staining and XTT assays to quantify biofilm formation.
Confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and RT-qPCR to analyze MV incorporation and gene expression.

Main Results:

S. mutans MVs are cup-shaped, averaging 80.49 ± 32.24 nm in diameter.
MV addition (≥5 µg/mL) enhanced initial biofilm adhesion, bacterial viability, and extracellular polysaccharide biomass.
MV treatment upregulated genes involved in adhesion and quorum sensing.

Conclusions:

S. mutans MVs are integral components that facilitate early biofilm establishment.
MVs play a significant role in the initial stages of dental plaque formation by S. mutans.