Evaluation of Dextranase Production by the Cariogenic Bacterium <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>

Abstract

A recently developed blue dextran-agar assay was utilized to detect dextranase production by a large number of strains of Streptococcus mutans. An extract obtained from S. mutans strain B2 hydrolyzed high-molecular-weight radioactive dextran to oligosaccharides. There are several possible roles for this enzyme activity in the metabolism of S. mutans dextrans.