Mutanofactin - A molecular adhesive in cariogenic microbial biofilms?
Abstract
Caries is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases worldwide. It develops when acid-forming bacteria in the oral cavity form a community. This community is held together by a viscous sticky substance (matrix) that is called a biofilm (dental plaque). The biofilm attaches to the tooth surface and damages the tooth structure. The bacterium Streptococcus mutans plays a key role in the development of dental caries. Mutanofactin is a recently identified metabolic by-product of S. mutans that promotes biofilm formation, and thus represents a promising target for new anti-cariogenic therapies. However, the mode of action of mutanofactin is unknown. In this project, we will investigate how mutanofactin promotes cariogenic biofilm formation. For this purpose, conditions in the oral cavity are simulated step by step from the molecular level to complex biofilms. This is done by including defined components synthesized by us as well as biological components. Specially developed methods for the characterization of bacterial cell surfaces and biofilm-matrix interactions as well as new techniques of biofilm analysis and microscopy will be applied. The knowledge gained from this project will lead the way for innovative strategies to combat caries, which are valuable from a medical and socio-economic perspective.
keywords Mutanofaktin Biofilm Cryo-Electronmicroscopy Polymer interactions
Publikationen
Project staff
Erik Reimhult
Univ.Prof. Dr. Erik Reimhult
erik.reimhult@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-80211
BOKU Project Leader
01.07.2022 - 30.06.2026
Konstantin Beitl
Dipl.-Ing. Konstantin Beitl B.Sc.
konstantin.beitl@boku.ac.at
Project Staff
01.07.2022 - 30.06.2026
Guruprakash Subbiahdoss
Dr. Guruprakash Subbiahdoss
guruprakash.subbiahdoss@boku.ac.at
Project Staff
01.07.2022 - 30.06.2026
BOKU partners
External partners
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
Eric Carreira
partner