Enzymes that degrade mannose to prevent the formation of bacterial-fungal biofilms, which cause dental cavities

Dental cavities are among the most common oral diseases among children and adults in the United States, with treatments for this condition exceeding $81 billion annually. Dental cavities occur when the bacteria Streptococcus mutans feeds off residual sugar on teeth and produces tooth-decaying lactic acid. Additionally, S. mutans can cause even more severe tooth decay when it associates with the fungus Candida albicans. A surface-bound carbohydrate, mannose mediates synergistic growth of bacteria/fungus colonies by helping the two species bind to each other. Disruption of mannose-mediated bacterial-fungal biofilms interaction on teeth would prevent severe dental cavities caused by these two pathogenic microorganisms.  

The technology is mannan-degrading enzymes (MDEs) which break down mannose on Candida albicans cell walls to prevent bacterial binding. Specific degradation of mannans on fungal cell walls stops Streptococcus mutans from adhering to the fungal cells—consequently, less co-species biofilm forms on teeth. Limiting biofilm formation decreases the exposure of teeth to microbe-generated acids and inhibits the formation of dental cavities.

Three mannan-degrading enzymes are used to target fungal cell walls. The enzymes: α-mannosidase, β-mannosidase, or β-mannanase breakdown mannose on Candida albicans surfaces. These enzymes target beta-mannose sugars on mannan chains. Ultimately, this reduces the viscosity of biofilms and removes binding sites used by Streptococcus mutans on enamel.

• 15-fold decrease in S. mutans-C. albicans interaction force after 5-minute treatment
• 2.5-fold decrease in biofilm dry weight
• Up to 90% biofilm removal by mild fluid shear stress after treatment
• Increases pH on mineral surfaces (less acidity) and decrease in enamel demineralization