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In vitro biofilm model for studying tongue flora and malodour
Author(s) -
Spencer P.,
Greenman J.,
McKenzie C.,
Gafan G.,
Spratt D.,
Flanagan A.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2007.03344.x
Subject(s) - biofilm , flora (microbiology) , in vitro , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , bacteria , biochemistry , paleontology
Aims: To develop a perfusion biofilm system to model tongue biofilm microflora and their physiological response to sulfur‐containing substrates (S‐substrates) in terms of volatile sulfide compound (VSC) production. Methods and Results: Tongue‐scrape inocula were used to establish in vitro perfusion biofilms which were examined in terms of ecological composition using culture‐dependent and independent (PCR‐DGGE) approaches. VSC‐specific activity of cells was measured by a cell suspension assay, using a portable industrial sulfide monitor which was also used to monitor VSC production from biofilms in situ . Quasi steady states were achieved by 48 h and continued to 96 h. The mean (±SEM) growth rate for 72‐h biofilms ( n = 4) was μ = 0·014 h −1 (±0·005 h −1 ). Comparison of biofilms, perfusate and original inoculum showed their ecological composition to be similar (Pearson coefficient > 0·64). Perfusate and biofilm cells derived from the same condition (co‐sampled) were equivalent with regard to VSC‐specific activities which were up‐regulated in the presence of S‐substrates. Conclusions: The model maintained a stable tongue microcosm suitable for studying VSC production; biofilm growth in the presence of S‐substrates up‐regulated VSC activity. Significance and Impact of the Study: The method is apt for studying ecological and physiological aspects of oral biofilms and could be useful for screening inhibitory agents.