Controlling bacterial cell adhesion with alpha-gulcan comprising alpha-1,6 glycosidic linkages

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods of inhibiting bacterial cells that comprise (a) providing a water-soluble alpha-glucan such as alpha-1,6-glucan, and (b) contacting the bacterial cells under aqueous conditions with the alpha-glucan and/or bringing the alpha-glucan into close proximity of the bacteria cells. Step (b) can lead to, for example, (i) inhibiting adhesion and/or colonization of the bacterial cells. These methods can optionally be applied to oral care applications, such as in preventing formation of dental caries. Further disclosed are oral care compositions and other compositions comprising water-soluble alpha-glucan such as alpha-1,6-glucan.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.