Dextranase [E.C. 3.2.1.11] is a collection of enzymes, that catalyze the hydrolysis of (α-1→6) glycosidic bond found in dextran to produce glucose, isomaltose, and several other linear or branched oligosaccharides.
The produced isomalto-oligosaccharides have a prebiotic effect by reducing the cariogenic effect of sucrose in oral cavity Sugar cane molasses is a rich source of microbial dextranases, that are enzymes have the ability to degrade the polysaccharide dextran to low molecular weight fractions which have many therapeutic and industrial applications, Dental caries biofilm removal one of those applications.
Various dextranases can be isolated from several microorganisms e.g. mold, yeasts and bacteria. These dextranases can hydrolyze dextran in an endo-wise or exo-wise fashion, to eliminate dextran synthesized by different microorganisms in mouth to prevent dental caries.
Definitely, Streptococci produce an exo-polysaccharide composed of dextran, the dental plaques that is formed by Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbinus can be eliminated using dextranases enzymes, that can be added to the dental products for dental caries removing.