Effect of a high-molecular-weight component of cranberry on constituents of dental biofilm

Background: Previous studies have shown that high molecular-weight non-dialysable material derived from cranberry juice (NDM) inhibits co-aggregation of a variety of oral bacteria. Objectives: In the present study, we examined the effect of NDM on several constituents of the dental biofilm, glucosyltransferase (GTF) and fructosyltransferase (FTF), as well as on the adhesion of Strep-tococcus sobrinus. Results: The activity of immobilized and soluble GTF and FTF was inhibited by NDM (P> 0.05). NDM also inhibited adhesion of S. sobrinus to hydroxyapatite (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results indicate that NDM may affect biofilm formation. One of the proposed mechan-isms is via inhibition of extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, which promote the sucrose-dependent adhesion of oral bacteria as S. sobrinus