Combined effect of xylitol, NaF and ZnCl2 on growth and metabolism of Streptococcus sobrinus OMZ 176.

Xylitol, NaF and ZnCl2 in combination inhibited the growth of S. Sobrinus OMZ 176 when added to Brain Heart Infusion broth. Thin-layer chromatography, followed by autoradiography of cell extracts, was used to study the inhibiting mechanism. Glucose uptake was reduced, the glycolysis inhibited at the glucose 6-phosphate- and fructose- 1.6-diphosphate level and the accumulation of xylitol metabolites was increased. These effects in combination probably accounted for the inhibition of growth.