Evaluation of the cariogenicity of prebiotic (1→3)-α-D-glucooligosaccharides

One of the important features of prebiotics is their beneficial effect on the health of the host, which consists of the inhibition of the growth of harmful bacteria, including strains causing caries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cariogenic potential of a hydrolyzate of (1→3)-α-D-glucan (GOS) isolated from fruiting bodies of Laetiporus sulphureus, consisting of (1→3)-α-D-glucooligosaccharides (85.6%) and glucose (14.4%). The study was conducted in cultures of cariogenic bacteria belonging to the genus Streptococcus (S. mutans CAPM 6067, S. sobrinus DSMZ 20381, S. sobrinus/downei CCUG 21020, and S. sanguis ATCC 10556). The investigation of the cariogenicity of GOS included an examination of the influence of the preparation on the growth of the above-mentioned bacteria, their ability to synthesize mutan, and the formation of a sucrose-dependent biofilm. GOS significantly inhibited the growth of the investigated streptococci, and the observed beneficial effect was stronger than the changes induced by a commercial prebiotic preparation containing a mixture of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Furthermore, GOS inhibited the mutan synthesis by the above-mentioned bacteria but did not exert an impact on the formation of artificial dental plaque. In conclusion, the studies conducted showed low cariogenicity of GOS and confirmed the safety of its use as a dietary supplement.