IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Parul Thapar; RK Malik; MK Salooja

Volume : VI, Issue : X, October - 2017

Production and Purification of Bacteriocins of Lactic acid Bacteria and their application in prevention of dental caries

Parul Thapar, Rk Malik, Mk Salooja

Abstract :

Many strains of lactic acid bacteria produce bacteriocins and bacteriocin–like molecules that display antibacterial activity. Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria are small, ribosomally synthesized, antimicrobial peptides or proteins that possess activity towards closely related Gram–positive bacteria. Major oral health problems around the world are generally considered to be dental caries. Oral health is now recognized equally important in relation to general health. In this study, bacteriocins were isolated from the species of lactic acid bacteria isolated from curd. The purified bacteriocins were then subjected for their anti–microbial effect against dental caries causing organisms isolated from teeth. Thus, it has been found that the bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria have shown the anti– bacterial activity against strains of Streptococcus soinus. Since, these bacteriocins can inhibit the activity of dental cavity causing organisms, therefore, they can be inoculated in food products, so that the food itself becomes the weapon against cavities.