mutanase

**Mutanase** is an endo-acting enzyme that hydrolyzes α-1,3-glucosidic linkages in water-insoluble mutan, a glucan polymer produced by cariogenic streptococci such as *Streptococcus mutans*. By degrading the extracellular polysaccharide matrix of dental biofilms, it disrupts plaque formation, facilitates biofilm removal, and shows potential as an anticaries agent in oral care products like toothpastes, mouthwashes, and denture cleaners. Sources include bacteria like *Paracoccus mutanolyticus*, *Paenibacillus humicus*, and *Bacillus* species; it also exhibits antifungal activity against pathogens like *Colletotrichum capsici* and *Candida albicans* by targeting fungal cell wall α-1,3-glucans.[1][2][3][4][5]

Other names

α-1,3-glucanase