Cryopreservation of Streptococcus mutans for microcalorimetry based applications

Cryopreservation is shown to be a suitable technique for storing Streptococ cus mutans prior to analysis of chemicals for putative antibacterial proper ties by microcalorimetry. Excellent recovery of cryopreserved cells was obt ained and their response in the microcalorimeter was highly reproducible. L inear responses were obtained when the concentration of fluoride was varied in assays. Similar results were obtained with natural products claimed to have antimicrobial properties. It is proposed that microcalorimetry with cr yopreserved cells could be used as a method for rapidly assessing the poten tial of individual or mixtures of components for commercial preparations de signed to control oral microflora. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All right s reserved.