Dextranase enhances nanoparticle penetration of <i>S. mutans</i> biofilms.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objective

Cariogenic biofilms possess a rich extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) matrix, which can reduce the penetration of anticaries agents such as nanoparticle-based technologies. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of dextranase, an EPS-degrading enzyme, to enhance nanoparticle penetration into Streptococcus mutans in vitro biofilms.

Methods

Commercially available fluorescent nanoparticles (nanospheres, average diameter around 200 nm) were used as a proxy for nanoparticle treatments. Biofilms of fluorescent S. mutans 3209/pVMCherry were developed over 48 h in 24-well glass bottom microplates, simulating daily feast (tryptic soy broth (TSB) supplemented with 1% sucrose) and famine periods (TSB supplemented with 0.1 mM glucose). Nanop

SUBMITTER: DeCesaris DS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12265090 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature