Distinct Agents Induce Streptococcus mutans Cells with Altered Biofilm Formation Capacity

Abstract

This article addresses the effect of distinct agents with distinct targets in the bacterial cell (cytoplasmatic membrane and glycolysis), the cell’s extracellular synthesis of exopolysaccharides that are important for cariogenic extracellular matrix construction and biofilm buildup in the generation of cells that persisted after treatment, and how these cells form biofilms in vitro . For example, if preexposure to an agent augments the production of virulence determinants, such as exopolysaccharides, its clinical value may be inadequate.