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Evaluating biofilm growth of two oral pathogens
Author(s) -
Roberts S.K.,
Wei G.X.,
Wu C.D.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2002.01228.x
Subject(s) - biofilm , streptococcus mutans , microbiology and biotechnology , porphyromonas gingivalis , chlorhexidine , antimicrobial , bacteria , bacterial growth , chemistry , optical density , streptococcaceae , population , dental plaque , biology , antibiotics , dentistry , medicine , genetics , environmental health , ophthalmology
Aims: To determine the expediency of a microtitre assay system for establishing, quantifying and antimicrobial testing of two representative oral pathogens. Methods and Results:Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis were used. Morphological characteristics of the attached population were evaluated. Biofilm growth was evaluated spectrophotometrically (undisturbed and 1 N NaOH dissipated biofilm). The minimum concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate that inhibited biofilm growth was determined. Growth of the biofilms was successfully monitored by direct optical density measurements or those re‐suspended in 1 N NaOH. The latter was necessary when glucans were present in Strep. mutans biofilms. The minimum concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate that inhibited biofilm growth was 1·25 µg ml −1 for both species. The attached bacteria exhibited common biofilm characteristics. Significance and Impact of the Study: The assay system developed was especially useful for monitoring the growth of adherent Strep. mutans in the presence of glucans, which is particularly significant for the study of anti‐plaque chemicals.