Abstract
A protease derived from Streptomyces globisporus strain 1829 diminished the activity of glucosyltranferase (EC 2. 4. 1. 5) produced by Streptococcus mutans to synthesize water-insoluble polysaccharide, as determined turbidimetrically in a salivary mixture. Mouth rinses containing the protease interfered with the formation of dental plaque in humans. This protease had no effect on the activitiy of salivary peroxidase, α-amylase, and lysozyme. The possible clinical application of the protease for the control of dental plaque was discussed.
