Comparison of dextranases for their possible use in eliminating dental plaque.
Dextranases produced by P lilacinum NRRL 896 and NRRL 895 and by P funiculosum NRRL 1768 were studied for their possible incorporation into a dental plaque elimination system. The following properties of the enzymes were compared: effect of the pH level on the activity and the stability of the enzymes on the acid side of the pH range; molecular weight; affinity to Sephadex G-25 which served as a model for insoluble dextran in plaques; and the extent of hydrolytic action on dextrans containing alpha-1,3, alpha-1,4 and alpha-1,6 bonds in various proportions. The enzyme of P funiculosum NRRL 1768 certainly has its limitations as a plaque-degrading enzyme, for example, diminished activity at a high pH level and lack of activity on alpha-1,3 bonds. However, from our studies, and from a survey of the relevant literature with respect to the aforementioned properties in other dextranases, the enzyme of P funiculosum NRRL 1768 emerges as a suitable choice for incorporation as dextranase, possibly together with other enzymes, into an enzymatic dental plaque elimination system.
Comparison of dextranases for their possible use in eliminating dental plaque. Dextranases produced by P lilacinum NRRL 896 and NRRL 895 and by P funiculosum NRRL 1768 were studied for their possible incorporation into a dental plaque elimination system. The following properties of the enzymes were compared: effect of the pH level on the activity and the stability of the enzymes on the acid side of the pH range; molecular weight; affinity to Sephadex G-25 which served as a model for insoluble dextran in plaques; and the extent of hydrolytic action on dextrans containing alpha-1,3, alpha-1,4 and alpha-1,6 bonds in various proportions. The enzyme of P funiculosum NRRL 1768 certainly has its limitations as a plaque-degrading enzyme, for example, diminished activity at a high pH level and lack of activity on alpha-1,3 bonds. However, from our studies, and from a survey of the relevant literature with respect to the aforementioned properties in other dextranases, the enzyme of P funiculosum NRRL 1768 emerges as a suitable choice for incorporation as dextranase, possibly together with other enzymes, into an enzymatic dental plaque elimination system.