Merck + Co., Inc.

Karl H Nollstadt

Thomas H Stoudt

Dennis J Carlo

Robert Z Maigetter

Certain glucans modify the biosynthetic route of extracellular polysaccharides involved in dental plaque development causing critical loss of adhesiveness. They interfere with the biosynthesis of cell-bound polysaccharides reducing and preventing agglutination of cells. They thus aid in the prevention of dental plaque formation or concomitant dental caries and periodontal disease.

Modified glucans as anti-caries agent and method of use

Group B Streptococcus type-specific polysaccharides types I.sub.1, I.sub.b, II and III have been obtained from strains grown in a modified soy bean and yeast medium. These polysaccharides are useful as active or passive streptococcal vaccines.

Group B streptococcal capsular polysaccharides

Process of producing modified glucans as anti-caries agent

Enzymes called cariogenanases, elaborated by microorganisms are isolated and characterized as polysaccharases capable of degrading cariogenan, a newly discovered glucan of dental plaque composed of .alpha.-(1.fwdarw.3) and .alpha.-(1.fwdarw.2) linkages. The enzymes are isolable from culture broths of various organisms by protein precipitation methods, and have utility as an anti-dental plaque agent, either as the sole enzymatic agent or in combination with dextranases and/or plaque dispersing proteases.

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Clark, NJ, United States of America

Karl H Nollstadt