US4430322A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modified glucans as anti-caries agent and method of use
Assignee: Merck and Co Inc
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Filing: 1982-04-28
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Granted: 1984-02-07
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Expires: 2002-04-28
Abstract
Abstract Certain glucans modify the biosynthetic route of extracellular polysaccharides involved in dental plaque development causing critical loss of adhesiveness. They interfere with the biosynthesis of cell-bound polysaccharides reducing and preventing agglutination of cells. They thus aid in the prevention of dental plaque formation or concomitant dental caries and periodontal disease.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas H. Stoudt
- 👤 Karl H. Nollstadt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 07:12
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61K; A61K31/00; A61K31/70; A61K31/715; A61K8/00; A61K8/18; A61K8/72; A61K8/73; A61Q; A61Q11/00; C; C12; C12P; C12P19/00; C12P19/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
A glucan with a molecular weight in excess of 500,000, consisting predominantly of α-(1→3)glucosidic bonds and inert to enzymatic attack by an endo-α-(1→3)-glucan-3-glucanohydrolase produced by the process which comprises cell-free biosynthesis of plaque polysaccharides in a biosynthetic medium containing from 5-40 units/ml of the endo-α-(1→3)glucan-3-glucanohydrolase for 24-48 hours at 37° C., inactivating the enzymes, removing insoluble polysaccharides and adding a miscible organic solvent to precipitate the desired glucan.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
A glucan with a molecular weight in excess of 500,000, consisting predominantly of α-(1→3)glucosidic bonds and inert to enzymatic attack by an endo-α-(1→3)-glucan-3-glucanohydrolase produced by the process which comprises cell-free biosynthesis of plaque polysaccharides in a biosynthetic medium containing from 5-40 units/ml of the endo-α-(1→3)glucan-3-glucanohydrolase for 24-48 hours at 37° C., inactivating the enzymes, removing insoluble polysaccharides and adding a miscible organic solvent to precipitate the desired glucan.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A glucan produced by the process of claim 1 wherein the endo-α-(1→3)glucan-3-glucanohydrolase is cariogenanase.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A foodstuff composition comprising sucrose and an effective amount of the glucan of claim 1.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A foodstuff composition comprising sucrose and an effective amount of the glucan of claim 2.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
68 words
A glucan with a molecular weight in excess of 500,000, consisting predominantly of α-(1→6)glucosidic bonds and inert to enzymatic attack by an endo-α-(1→6)-glucan-6-glucanohydrolase produced by the process which comprises cell-free biosynthesis of plaque polysaccharides in a biosynthetic medium containing from 5-40 units/ml of the endo-α-(1→6)glucan-6-glycanohydrolase for 24-48 hours at 37° C., inactivating the enzymes, removing insoluble polysaccharides and adding a miscible organic solvent to precipitate the desired glucan.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
68 words
A glucan with a molecular weight in excess of 500,000, consisting predominantly of α-(1→6)glucosidic bonds and inert to enzymatic attack by an endo-α-(1→6)-glucan-6-glucanohydrolase produced by the process which comprises cell-free biosynthesis of plaque polysaccharides in a biosynthetic medium containing from 5-40 units/ml of the endo-α-(1→6)glucan-6-glycanohydrolase for 24-48 hours at 37° C., inactivating the enzymes, removing insoluble polysaccharides and adding a miscible organic solvent to precipitate the desired glucan.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
A glucan produced by the process of claim 5 wherein the endo-α-(1→6)glucan-6-glucanohydrolase is dextranase.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A foodstuff composition comprising sucrose and an effective amount of the glucan of claim 5.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A foodstuff composition comprising sucrose and an effective amount of the glucan of claim 6.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method of inhibiting dental plaque, caries and periodontal disease which comprises ingesting an effective amount of the glucan of claim 6 concomitantly with a sucrose-containing foodstuff.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-02-06 | 1987-08-08 | 1988-02-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-02-06 | 1991-08-08 | 1992-02-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-02-06 | 1995-08-08 | 1996-02-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |