Matrix design for bacteriolytic enzyme encapsulation

Phage-associated bacteriolytic enzyme, lysin, was studied in its efficiency to lyse pathogenic Streptococcus pyogenes bacterial cells at different pH and temperatures. The effect of additives of different types on the activity and stability of lysin was tested in accelerated stability test at 50°C. Micelle-forming surfactants, polyelectrolyte (polyacrylic acid) and their combination were found to be the most effective matrices in stabilization of lysin: the enzyme retained activity after two months of incubation with additives at RT in contrast to that in buffer which lost the activity in two days. The performance of lysin in the presence of additives in combination with typical mouthwash and oral spray solutions was tested in model epithelial tissue culture experiment showing perspectives in using such compositions for prophylactics and treatment of group A streptococci infections.