In vitro biofilm model for studying tongue flora and malodour

Spencer, Paul; Greenman, John; McKenzie, C.; Gafan, G.; Spratt, D.; Flanagan, A.

Abstract

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. © 2007 The Authors.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2007
• Journal: Journal of Applied Microbiology
• Print ISSN: 1364-5072
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2672
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 103
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 985-992
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2007.03344.x
• Keywords: growth and physiology, in vitro biofilm model, perfusion biofilm, tongue flora, VSC monitoring
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1024789
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2007.03344.x