Microorganism of the genus Lactobacillus capable of binding to S. mutans and compositions comprising the same

US8192978B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Bruno Kaesler · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Rolf Knöll · Weinheim, DE
• Mewes Boettner · Berlin, DE
• Eckhard Budde · Cologne, DE
• Christine Lang · Berlin, DE
• Martin Ryser · Dresden, DE
• Markus Veen · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 9, 2005
• Grant date: Jun 5, 2012
• Expiry date: Aug 17, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12R2001/225
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microorganism belonging to the group of lactic acid bacteria characterized in that it is capable of specifically binding to Streptococcus mutans, wherein the specific binding is (i) resistant to heat treatment; and/or (ii) resistant to protease treatment; and/or (iii) calcium-dependent; and/or (iv) formed within a pH range between 4.5 and 8.5; and/or (v) formed in the presence of saliva. Preferably, the specific binding can be assayed as follows: (a) growing said microorganism to stationary phase; (b) mixing said microorganism with Streptococcus mutans which has been grown to stationary phase; (c) incubating the mixture obtained in step (b) under conditions allowing the formation of aggregates of said microorganism and Streptococcus mutans and (d) detecting aggregates by the occurrence of a pellet. Another aspect of the present invention is an analog or fragment of said microorganism which is thermally inactivated or lyophilized, wherein said analog or fragment retains the capability of specifically binding to Streptococcus mutans. In addition, the present invention encompasses compositions and additives for food, feed or drinks comprising the mic…