The influence of albumin on adsorption of bacteria on hydroxyapatite beads in vitro and human tooth surfaces in vivo.

Fewer streptococci adsorbed in vitro to hydroxyapatite (HA) beads treated with bovine albumin when compared to HA treated with buffer or with saliva. Approximately 60 per cent of adsorbed [3H]-albumin persisted on HA when incubated for 24 h in clarified whole or parotid saliva. Also, fewer bacteria were recovered from vigorously-pumiced, molar-tooth surfaces 24 h after application of albumin compared to buffer-treated controls.