Krill Enzymes (Krillase®) an Important Factor to Improve Oral Hygiene

Abstract

Prevention of gingivitis is largely governed by limiting the development of oral dental plaque and biofilm formation. It is also broadly acknowledged that accumulation of microorganisms are of pivotal importance in the initiation and progression of gingivitis and associated oral diseases (Socransky, Haffajee, 2005). We propose that krill enzymes (Krillase®) as they disintegrate cell surface structures and diminish bacterial adhesion to be a novel and innovative method for prevention of gingivitis. Krillase® is isolated from the digestive tract of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a shrimp like animal constituting an enormous biomass in the Antarctic convergence. The harsch ecological situation in the Antarctica implies that krill has an exceptionally effective digestive apparatus containing a co-operative multi-enzyme system involving both endoand exopeptidases. Moreover, these enzymes have much lower activation energies than those of mammalian enzymes ensuring fast and highly efficient breakdown of diverse biological substrates (Hellgren et al, 1999). The objective for the development of Krillase® has been to maintain the natural composition of krill enzymes intact throughout the purification process. Krillase® is defined as a mixture of acidic endopeptidases (trypsinand chymotrypsin-like enzymes) and exopeptidases (carboxypeptidase A and B). The final product (chewing gum) is well characterized with respect to stability, enzyme activity, uniformity and biocompability. Data from toxicology, pharmacology, preresp clinical studies give evidence for a broad safety profile. Krill enzymes, due to their unique synergistic action, have been proven to exert both quantitative and qualitative effects on dental plaque/biofilm as well as on bacterial adherence to teeth surfaces. This leads to significant decrease in plaque accumulation and reduction in occurrence of gingivitis and caries pathogenesis (Hellgren, 2009). In summary, Krillase® constitutes an important future alternative to a variety of other more toxic chemicals presently marketed for oral use including bisguanid, triclosan, aminoalcohols.