Interaction of hydroxyapatite and protein-coated hydroxyapatite with Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis

The present study showed that S. mutans and S. sanguis behaved like negatively-charged particles in their interaction with hydroxyapatite in vitro. Phosphate in the system inhibited bacterial uptake by apatite, whereas calcium increased the uptake. A layer of acidic protein inhibited the uptake of bacteria by hydroxyapatite. The opposite was true when a basic protein was first adsorbed to the apatite. A saliva film on the apatite decreased the uptake of bacteria, supporting the view that acidic proteins are selectively adsorbed by hydroxyapatite from saliva. The results indicate clearly that electrostatic forces may be involved in bacterial interaction with tooth surface.