Team:UT Dallas/Project

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<span class="title_spans">Overview</span><br><br>
<span class="title_spans">Overview</span><br><br>
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Harmful bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, live in the mouth and convert sucrose into lactic acid and fructose/glucose.   The lactic acid creates acidic conditions in the mouth, leading to tooth enamel decay. The fructose/glucose combination forms a sticky polysaccharide called dextran. This molecule is responsible for dental plaque and creates the optimal platform for populous colonies of bacteria on the surface of the teeth. Streptococcus mutans has been determined to be the primary contributor to dental plaque and cavities.<br><br>
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<font size=4>The Problem</font>
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Cavities have been a problem faced by many people worldwide. Streptococcus mutans has been determined to be the primary contributor to dental plaque and in the formation of dental cavities. S. mutans is able to do this by converting sucrose, which is already available in the mouth, into lactic acid, contributing to plaque formation. Their capability to rapidly ferment lactic acid under low pH levels helps create cavities in conjunction which adherence to the biofilm. <br>
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In the oral cavity, biofilms cover a majority of the surfaces. Dextran is the polysaccharide matrix that anchors the bacteria together to create the optimal platform for creation of the biofilm, and subsequently dental caries. Biofilms consist of communities of disease-causing bacteria on the teeth that contribute to dental plaque, causing tooth decay and gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. By adhering to the enamel of the the tooth, harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans are able to excrete a slimy, yellowish substance called plaque which reproduce to form colonies.  
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<center><img src='https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2013/b/b8/Streptococcus_mutans_01.jpg' height=400 width=500></center><br>
<center><img src='https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2013/b/b8/Streptococcus_mutans_01.jpg' height=400 width=500></center><br>

Revision as of 19:41, 27 September 2013

Sugar Repression System
The Com System
Dex and NspC
Results
 Overview


The Problem Cavities have been a problem faced by many people worldwide. Streptococcus mutans has been determined to be the primary contributor to dental plaque and in the formation of dental cavities. S. mutans is able to do this by converting sucrose, which is already available in the mouth, into lactic acid, contributing to plaque formation. Their capability to rapidly ferment lactic acid under low pH levels helps create cavities in conjunction which adherence to the biofilm.
In the oral cavity, biofilms cover a majority of the surfaces. Dextran is the polysaccharide matrix that anchors the bacteria together to create the optimal platform for creation of the biofilm, and subsequently dental caries. Biofilms consist of communities of disease-causing bacteria on the teeth that contribute to dental plaque, causing tooth decay and gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. By adhering to the enamel of the the tooth, harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans are able to excrete a slimy, yellowish substance called plaque which reproduce to form colonies.


Our project entails selectively fighting off this bacteria through 3 different ways:
  • CscR and FruR
  • Competence Stimulating Protein, and/or
  • Destroying the biofilm upon which the bacteria grows through NspC, Norspermidine.


    • Take a look at our Judging Criteria for more information about our finished project.

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