This technology features the Bacillus velezensis K68 strain isolated from traditional fermented food, along with pharmaceutical compositions and health functional foods containing this strain or its culture as an active ingredient. The strain inhibits the formation of biofilms on tooth surfaces by Streptococcus mutans, the primary cause of tooth decay.
Dental caries is a major condition affecting 60–90% of children and adults, progressing as S. mutans uses extracellular polysaccharides produced by glucosyltransferase to form biofilms on enamel surfaces. Once formed, oral biofilms are difficult to remove, making early prevention critical. However, previous research has been limited to inhibiting bacterial growth using lactic acid bacteria cultures or antibiotics.
This technology utilizes the K68 strain to produce 1-deoxynojirimycin, while its culture supernatant reduces cell surface hydrophobicity, adhesion, and pathogenic gene expression in S. mutans, effectively blocking biofilm formation at an early stage. It can be used in the form of live, dead, or dried bacteria, as well as culture media, filtrates, or cell lysates. Applicable to oral probiotic tablets, functional candies, drinks, and starter cultures for fermented products like yogurt or kimchi, it targets the initial tooth-attachment phase without indiscriminately killing oral bacteria, thereby slowing the progression of early-stage cavities.
This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning for the development of high-functional anti-diabetic food materials and fermented foods using microorganisms derived from traditional fermented soybean pastes.
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