Bond strengthening in oral bacterial adhesion to salivary conditioning films

Assessment of the biofilm formation capacities of Staphylococcus aureus strains Newman and Newman D2C in vitro and in vivo

Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of implant-associated infections (IAIs). The ability of this Gram-positive bacterium to cause IAIs is closely related to its capacity to attach to and to form biofilms on the implant material. Biofilm formation of S. aureus on artificial surfaces is usually mimicked in the laboratory by simple microplate-based in vitro assays and often involves type culture collection preserved laboratory strains such as SA113 (ATCC 35556), Newman (NCTC 8178), and Newman D2C (NCTC 10833, ATCC 25904). The latter two strains are phylogenetically closely related and often inadvertently indicated as strain "Newman" in publications, albeit of the fact that strain Newman D2C harbors among others mutations in the global regulatory loci agr and sae, which strongly impact the phenotypic behavior of this strain. Wondering how the genetic differences between strains Newman and Newman D2C alter the biofilm formation capacities of these two strains in vitro and in vivo, we tested here the adhesion behavior and biofilm formation capacities of both strains on different kinds of artificial surfaces (tissue culture-treated bottoms of 96-well polystyrene microplates and polyurethane-based peripheral venous catheter [PVC] tubing). Additionally, we determined their ability to cause infection in a foreign body-related murine infection model. Our studies revealed that the Newman and Newman D2C derivatives kept at Saarland University, Germany, differ significantly in their abilities to attach to microplate well bottoms and PVC tubing, and to form biofilms in various static and dynamic in vitro assays. However, when the biofilm formation capacities of both strains were determined in an in vivo infection model, rather comparable bacterial loads were observed. These findings suggest that biofilm formation capacities of S. aureus strains may differ substantially in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, researchers working with strains Newman and Newman D2C should be aware that both strains differ substantially in their phenotypic behavior, and that both strains should be indicated correctly to allow for a better comparison of data obtained with these strains in different laboratories.

Paving the way for the use of Statherin-Derived Peptide (StN15) to control caries through acquired pellicle and biofilm microbiome engineering: Proof-of-concept in vitro/in vivo studies

OBJECTIVE

This proof-of-concept sequence of in vivo/in vitro studies aimed to unveil the role of acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) engineering with statherin-derived peptide (StN15) on the AEP protein profile, enamel biofilm microbiome in vivo and on enamel demineralization in vitro.

DESIGN

In vivo studies, 10 volunteers, in 2 independent experiments (2 days each), rinsed (10 mL,1 min) with: deionized water (negative control) or 1.88 × 10-5 M StN15. The AEP, formed along 2 h and the biofilm, along 3 h, were collected. AEP was analyzed by quantitative shotgun-label-free proteomics. The enamel biofilm microbiome was evaluated using 16S-rRNA Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). An in vitro model with microcosm biofilm was employed. Bovine enamel samples (n = 72) were treated with 1) Phosphate-Buffer-Solution (PBS), 2) 0.12 %Chlorhexidine, 3) 500ppmNaF; 4) 1.88 × 10-5MStN15; 5) 3.76 × 10-5MStN15 and 6) 7.52 × 10-5MStN15. Biofilm was supplemented with human saliva and McBain saliva and cultivated for 5 days. Resazurin, colony forming units (CFU) and Transversal Microradiography Analysis-(TMR) were performed.

RESULTS

Proteomic results showed several proteins with acid-resistant, calcium-binding, and antimicrobial properties in the StN15 group. The microbiome corroborated these findings, reducing bacteria that are closely related to dental caries in the StN15 group, compared to the PBS. The microcosm biofilm showed that the lowest concentration of StN15 was the most efficient in reducing bacterial activity, CFU and enamel demineralization compared to PBS.

CONCLUSION

StN15 can effectively alter the AEP proteome to inhibit initial bacterial colonization, thereby mitigating enamel demineralization. Future research should explore clinical applications and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of StN15.

Resveratrol alters oral biofilm in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ability of resveratrol to reduce dental caries in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

In part 1, a microcosm biofilm protocol was employed. One hundred twenty-six bovine enamel specimens were treated with: Resveratrol (50, 100, 200, 400 µg/mL), Phosphate buffered saline (negative control), Dimethyl sulfoxide (negative control) and 0.12% Chlorhexidine (positive control). The biofilm was produced from the saliva of 10 volunteers, under 0.2% sucrose exposure for 5 days, and daily treated with the solutions (1 min). At the end of the experimental period, resazurin and viable plate count assays were performed. Enamel demineralization was evaluated by transverse microrradiography (TMR). In part 2, 12 volunteers participated in a triple-blind crossover protocol for 7 weeks, according to the following treatments: 1) 100 mg/L resveratrol; 2) 0.05% NaF (226 mg/L F); 3) 100 mg/L resveratrol + 0.05% NaF; 4) Deionized water (negative control). Biofilm samples were collected from both sides of the mouth 12 h after the use of the solutions.

RESULTS

Resveratrol at 50 and 200 µg/mL significantly reduced biofilm metabolic activity and mutans streptococci, respectively. Chlorhexidine was an effective treatment to significantly reduce all parameters, being an important antimicrobial and anticaries agent in vitro. Resveratrol alone or associated with NaF modulated several caries-associated bacteria in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The present study represents the first step regarding the use of resveratrol within the concept of acquired enamel pellicle and biofilm engineering to prevent dental caries.

Acquired pellicle and biofilm engineering with CaneCPI-5: Insights from proteomic and microbiomics analysis

OBJECTIVE

In this in vivo proof-of-concept study, acquired pellicle engineering was implemented to promote alterations in the protein composition of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) and the bacterial composition of the dental biofilm after treatment with Sugarcane cystatin (CaneCPI-5).

DESIGN

After prophylaxis, 10 volunteers rinsed (10 mL, 1 min) with the following solutions: 1) deionized water (H2O- negative control or 2) 0.1 mg/mL CaneCPI-5. The AEP and biofilm were formed along 2 or 3 h, respectively. The AEP was collected with electrode filter papers soaked in 3 % citric acid. After protein extraction, samples were analyzed by quantitative shotgun label-free proteomics. The biofilm microbiome was collected with a dental curette. The DNA was extracted, amplified, and analyzed by 16S-rRNA Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

RESULTS

Treatment with CaneCPI-5 increased several proteins with antimicrobial, acid-resistance, affinity for hydroxyapatite, structural and calcium binding properties, such as Cysteine-rich-3 (6-fold-p = 0.03), Cystatin-B (5.5-fold-p < 0.01), Neutrophil-defensin 1 (4.7-fold-p < 0.01), Mucin (3.9-fold-p < 0.01), Immunoglobulin-heavy-constant (3.8-fold-p < 0.01) and Lactotransferrin (2.8-fold-p < 0.01). Microbiome revealed that several commensal bacteria had their abundance increased after rinsing with CaneCPI-5, such as Corynebacterium and Neisseria, while Streptococcus and Prevotella nigrescens were decreased. The results indicate the efficiency of CaneCPI-5 in promoting beneficial changes in the AEP and biofilm, making this phytocystatin a potential target for incorporation into dental products.

CONCLUSION

Cane demonstrated the capability to alter the protein composition of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) and the initial colonizers of the biofilm, enhancing the presence of proteins and bacteria crucial for dental protection.

The oral microbiota and periodontal health in orthodontic patients

The oral microbiota develops within the first 2 years of childhood and becomes distinct from the parents by 4 years-of-age. The oral microbiota plays an important role in the overall health/symbiosis of the individual. Deviations from the state of symbiosis leads to dysbiosis and an increased risk of pathogenicity. Deviations can occur not only from daily life activities but also from orthodontic interventions. Orthodontic appliances are formed from a variety of biomaterials. Once inserted, they serve as a breeding ground for microbial attachment, not only from new surface areas and crevices but also from material physicochemical interactions different than in the symbiotic state. Individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment show, compared with untreated people, qualitative and quantitative differences in activity within the oral microbiota, induced by increased retention of supra- and subgingival microbial plaque throughout the treatment period. These changes are at the root of the main undesirable effects, such as gingivitis, white spot lesions (WSL), and more severe caries lesions. Notably, the oral microbiota profile in the first weeks of orthodontic intervention might be a valuable indicator to predict and identify higher-risk individuals with respect to periodontal health and caries risk within an otherwise healthy population. Antimicrobial coatings have been used to dissuade microbes from adhering to the biomaterial; however, they disrupt the host microbiota, and several bacterial strains have become resistant. Smart biomaterials that can reduce the antimicrobial load preventing microbial adhesion to orthodontic appliances have shown promising results, but their complexity has kept many solutions from reaching the clinic. 3D printing technology provides opportunities for complex chemical syntheses to be performed uniformly, reducing the cost of producing smart biomaterials giving hope that they may reach the clinic in the near future. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the importance of the oral microbiota during orthodontic therapy and to use innovative technologies to better maintain its healthy balance during surgical procedures.

Acquired enamel pellicle and biofilm engineering with a combination of acid-resistant proteins (CaneCPI-5, StN15, and Hemoglobin) for enhanced protection against dental caries - in vivo and in vitro investigations

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed in two-legs. In the in vivo, we explored the potential of a rinse solution containing a combination (Comb) of 0.1 mg/mL CaneCPI-5 (sugarcane-derive cystatin), 1.88 × 10- 5M StN15 (statherin-derived peptide) and 1.0 mg/mL hemoglobin (Hb) to change the protein profile of the acquired enamel pellicle(AEP) and the microbiome of the enamel biofilm. The in vitro, was designed to reveal the effects of Comb on the viability and bacterial composition of the microcosm biofilm, as well as on enamel demineralization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo study, 10 participants rinsed (10mL,1 min) with either deionized water (H2O-control) or Comb. AEP and biofilm were collected after 2 and 3 h, respectively, after rinsing. AEP samples underwent proteomics analysis, while biofilm microbiome was assessed via 16 S-rRNA Next Generation Sequencing(NGS). In vitro study, a microcosm biofilm protocol was employed. Ninety-six enamel specimens were treated with: 1)Phosphate-Buffered Solution-PBS(negative-control), 2)0.12%Chlorhexidine, 3)500ppmNaF and 4)Comb. Resazurin, colony-forming-units(CFU) and Transversal Microradiography(TMR) were performed.

RESULTS

The proteomic results revealed higher quantity of proteins in the Comb compared to control associated with immune system response and oral microbial adhesion. Microbiome showed a significant increase in bacteria linked to a healthy microbiota, in the Comb group. In the in vitro study, Comb group was only efficient in reducing mineral-loss and lesion-depth compared to the PBS.

CONCLUSIONS

The AEP modification altered the subsequent layers, affecting the initial process of bacterial adhesion of pathogenic and commensal bacteria, as well as enamel demineralization.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Comb group shows promise in shaping oral health by potentially introducing innovative approaches to prevent enamel demineralization and deter tooth decay.

Acquired Pellicle and Biofilm Engineering by Rinsing with Hemoglobin Solution

INTRODUCTION

The identification of acid-resistant proteins, including hemoglobin (Hb), within the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) led to the proposition of the "acquired pellicle engineering" concept, which involves the modification of the AEP by incorporating specific proteins, presenting a novel strategy to prevent dental demineralization.

OBJECTIVE

Combining in vivo and in vitro proof-of-concept protocols, we sought to reveal the impact of AEP engineering with Hb protein on the biofilm microbiome and enamel demineralization.

METHODS

In the in vivo studies, 10 volunteers, in 2 independent experiments, rinsed (10 mL,1 min) with deionized water-negative control or 1.0 mg/mL Hb. The AEP and biofilm formed along 2 or 3 h, respectively, were collected. AEP was analyzed by quantitative shotgun-label-free proteomics and biofilm by 16S-rRNA next-generation sequencing (NGS). In in vitro study, a microcosm biofilm protocol was employed. Seventy-two bovine enamel specimens were treated with (1) phosphate-buffered solution (PBS), (2) 0.12% chlorhexidine, (3) 500 ppm NaF, (4) 1.0 mg/mL Hb, (5) 2.0 mg/mL Hb, and (6) 4.0 mg/mL Hb. The biofilm was cultivated for 5 days. Resazurin, colony forming units (CFU), and transversal microradiography were performed.

RESULTS

Proteomics and NGS analysis revealed that Hb increased proteins with antioxidant, antimicrobial, acid-resistance, hydroxyapatite-affinity, calcium-binding properties and showed a reduction in oral pathogenic bacteria. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the lowest Hb concentration was the most effective in reducing bacterial activity, CFU, and enamel demineralization compared to PBS.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that Hb could be incorporated into anticaries dental products to modify the oral microbiome and control caries, highlighting its potential for AEP and biofilm microbiome engineering.

Hypertonic stress induced changes of Pseudomonas fluorescens adhesion towards soil minerals studied by AFM

Studying bacterial adhesion to mineral surfaces is crucial for understanding soil properties. Recent research suggests that minimal coverage of sand particles with cell fragments significantly reduces soil wettability. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we investigated the influence of hypertonic stress on Pseudomonas fluorescens adhesion to four different minerals in water. These findings were compared with theoretical XDLVO predictions. To make adhesion force measurements comparable for irregularly shaped particles, we normalized adhesion forces by the respective cell-mineral contact area. Our study revealed an inverse relationship between wettability and the surface-organic carbon content of the minerals. This relationship was evident in the increased adhesion of cells to minerals with decreasing wettability. This phenomenon was attributed to hydrophobic interactions, which appeared to be predominant in all cell-mineral interaction scenarios alongside with hydrogen bonding. Moreover, while montmorillonite and goethite exhibited stronger adhesion to stressed cells, presumably due to enhanced hydrophobic interactions, kaolinite showed an unexpected trend of weaker adhesion to stressed cells. Surprisingly, the adhesion of quartz remained independent of cell stress level. Discrepancies between measured cell-mineral interactions and those calculated by XDLVO, assuming an idealized sphere-plane geometry, helped us interpret the chemical heterogeneity arising from differently exposed edges and planes of minerals. Our results suggest that bacteria may have a significant impact on soil wettability under changing moisture condition.

Effect of experimental and commercial artificial saliva formulations on the activity and viability of microcosm biofilm and on enamel demineralization for irradiated patients with head and neck cancer (HNC)

The effect of different artificial saliva formulations on biofilm activity and viability, and on enamel demineralization for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients was evaluated. Irradiated enamel samples were treated (1 min) with BioXtra® or with experimental formulations containing carboxymethylcellulose plus inorganic constituents alone (AS) or containing 0.1 mg mL^-1 CaneCPI-5 (AS + Cane), 1.0 mg mL^-1 hemoglobin (AS + Hb) or combination of both (AS + Cane + Hb). Phosphate-buffered-saline and chlorhexidine (0.12%) were negative and positive control, respectively. Biofilm was produced from the saliva of five male HNC patients, under 0.2% sucrose exposure for 5 days, and daily treated with the formulations (1 min). No significant effects were observed for the different experimental treatments. BioXtra^® significantly reduced lactobacilli, demonstrating antibacterial potential for this group. Chlorhexidine was an effective treatment to significantly reduce all parameters, being an important antimicrobial and anticaries agent. Future in vitro studies must be performed using a new approach for the design of the experimental formulations.

Interplay of physico-chemical and mechanical bacteria-surface interactions with transport processes controls early biofilm growth: A review

Biofilms initiate when bacteria encounter and are retained on surfaces. The surface orchestrates biofilm growth through direct physico-chemical and mechanical interactions with different structures on bacterial cells and, in turn, through its influence on cell-cell interactions. Individual cells respond directly to a surface through mechanical or chemical means, initiating "surface sensing" pathways that regulate gene expression, for instance producing extra cellular matrix or altering phenotypes. The surface can also physically direct the evolving colony morphology as cells divide and grow. In either case, the physico-chemistry of the surface influences cells and cell communities through mechanisms that involve additional factors. For instance the numbers of cells arriving on a surface from solution relative to the generation of new cells by division depends on adhesion and transport kinetics, affecting early colony density and composition. Separately, the forces experienced by adhering cells depend on hydrodynamics, gravity, and the relative stiffnesses and viscoelasticity of the cells and substrate materials, affecting mechanosensing pathways. Physical chemistry and surface functionality, along with interfacial mechanics also influence cell-surface friction and control colony morphology, in particular 2D and 3D shape. This review focuses on the current understanding of the mechanisms in which physico-chemical interactions, deriving from surface functionality, impact individual cells and cell community behavior through their coupling with other interfacial processes.

The response of dual-species bacterial biofilm to 2% and 5% NaOCl mixed with etidronic acid: a laboratory real-time evaluation using optical coherence tomography

Aim

The addition of etidronic acid (HEDP) to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) could increase the antibiofilm potency of the irrigant, whilst maintaining the benefits of continuous chelation. Studies conducted so far have shown that mixing HEDP with NaOCl solutions of relatively low concentration does not compromise the antibiofilm efficacy of the irrigant. However, the working lifespan of NaOCl may decrease resulting in a reduction of its antibiofilm efficacy over time (efficiency). In this regard, continuous irrigant replenishment needs to be examined. This study investigated the response of a dual‐species biofilm when challenged with 2% and 5% NaOCl mixed with HEDP for a prolonged timespan and under steady laminar flow.

Methodology

Dual‐species biofilms comprised of Streptococcus oralis J22 and Actinomyces naeslundii T14V‐J1 were grown on human dentine discs in a constant depth film fermenter (CDFF) for 96 h. Biofilms were treated with 2% and 5% NaOCl, alone or mixed with HEDP. Irrigants were applied under steady laminar flow for 8 min. Biofilm response was evaluated by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT). Biofilm removal, biofilm disruption, rate of biofilm loss and disruption as well as bubble formation were assessed. One‐way anova, Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test and Kruskal–Wallis H test were performed for statistical analysis of the data. The level of significance was set at a ≤.05.

Results

Increasing NaOCl concentration resulted in increased biofilm removal and disruption, higher rate of biofilm loss and disruption and increased bubble formation. Mixing HEDP with NaOCl caused a delay in the antibiofilm action of the latter, without compromising its antibiofilm efficacy.

Conclusions

NaOCl concentration dictates the biofilm response irrespective of the presence of HEDP. The addition of HEDP resulted in a delay in the antibiofilm action of NaOCl. This delay affects the efficiency, but not the efficacy of the irrigant over time.

Hydroxyapatite Pellets as Versatile Model Surfaces for Systematic Adhesion Studies on Enamel: A Force Spectroscopy Case Study

Research into materials for medical application draws inspiration from naturally occurring or synthesized surfaces, just like many other research directions. For medical application of materials, particular attention has to be paid to biocompatibility, osseointegration, and bacterial adhesion behavior. To understand their properties and behavior, experimental studies with natural materials such as teeth are strongly required. The results, however, may be highly case-dependent because natural surfaces have the disadvantage of being subject to wide variations, for instance in their chemical composition, structure, morphology, roughness, and porosity. A synthetic surface which mimics enamel in its performance with respect to bacterial adhesion and biocompatibility would, therefore, facilitate systematic studies much better. In this study, we discuss the possibility of using hydroxyapatite (HAp) pellets to simulate the surfaces of teeth and show the possibility and limitations of using a model surface. We performed single-cell force spectroscopy with single Staphylococcus aureus cells to measure adhesion-related parameters such as adhesion force and rupture length of cell wall proteins binding to HAp and enamel. We also examine the influence of blood plasma and saliva on the adhesion properties of S. aureus. The results of these measurements are matched to water wettability, elemental composition of the samples, and the change in the macromolecules adsorbed over time on the surface. We found that the adhesion properties of S. aureus were similar on HAp and enamel samples under all conditions: Significant decreases in adhesion strength were found equally in the presence of saliva or blood plasma on both surfaces. We therefore conclude that HAp pellets are a good alternative for natural dental material. This is especially true when slight variations in the physicochemical properties of the natural materials may affect the experimental series.

Spatial pattern and surface-specificity of particle and microorganism deposition and attachment: Modeling, analytic solution and experimental test

HYPOTHESIS

Understanding microparticle and living cell deposition and attachment on surfaces from a flow is a long-standing surface-science problem, pivotal to developing antifouling strategies. Recent studies indicate a complex non-conservative and surface-specific nature of adhesion and mechanical contact forces that determine attachment kinetics. This requires new models and kinetic data, however, observed deposition rates (e.g., in parallel-plate flow chamber, PPFC) represent a superposition of attachment and bulk transport. Here, we propose to deduce attachment rates (as an appropriate rate constant) from spatial deposition profiles along PPFC and develop an analytical solution for the full problem, suitable for deposition data analysis and parameter fitting.

EXPERIMENTS

Analytical solution, validated by numerical simulations, reveals relation between the deposition profile along PPFC and key model parameter B, the ratio of sedimentation and attachment rates. Its use is demonstrated on experimental data obtained in a PPFC for particles and bacteria on various surfaces.

FINDINGS

Fitted B values highlight correlation with the particle/substrate nature and consistently explain the observed trends along PPFC, both decreasing and increasing. Thus derived attachment rates will serve as basis for future microscopic modelling that would relate attachment to appropriate surface and contact-mechanical characteristics of particles and substrate and flow conditions.

A sugarcane cystatin (CaneCPI-5) alters microcosm biofilm formation and reduces dental caries

The antimicrobial and anticaries effects of CaneCPI-5 were evaluated. Ninety bovine enamel samples were treated for 60 s with either phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS), 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), 0.05 mg ml^-1 CaneCPI-5, 0.1 mg ml^-1 CaneCPI-5 or 0.5 mg ml^-1 CaneCPI-5. They were incubated with inoculum (human saliva + McBain's saliva) for the first 8 h. From then until the end of the experiment, the enamel was exposed to McBain saliva with sucrose and, once a day, for 5 days, they were treated with the solutions. At the end of the experimental period, resazurin and viable plate count assays were performed. Enamel demineralization was also measured. All concentrations of CaneCPI-5 and CHX significantly reduced the activity of biofilms compared with PBS. For viable plate counts, all treatments similarly reduced the lactobacilli and total streptococci; for the mutans streptococci, 0.05 mg ml^-1 CaneCPI-5 performed better than CHX. All CaneCPI-5 concentrations significantly reduced the integrated mineral loss. This study represents the first step regarding the use of CaneCPI-5 within the concept of acquired enamel pellicle and biofilm engineering to prevent dental caries.

Mechanics of Bacterial Interaction and Death on Nanopatterned Surfaces

Nanopatterned surfaces are believed to kill bacteria through physical deformation, a mechanism that has immense potential against biochemical resistance. Because of its elusive nature, this mechanism is mostly understood through biophysical modeling. Problematically, accurate descriptions of the contact mechanics and various boundary conditions involved in the bacteria-nanopattern interaction remain to be seen. This may underpin conflicting predictions, found throughout the literature, regarding two important aspects of the mechanism-that is, its critical action site and relationship with geometry. Herein, a robust computational analysis of bacteria-nanopattern interaction is performed using a three-dimensional finite element modeling that incorporates relevant continuum mechanical properties, multilayered envelope structure, and adhesion interaction conditions. The model is applied to more accurately study the elusory mechanism and its enhancement via nanopattern geometry. Additionally, micrographs of bacteria adhered on a nanopatterned cicada wing are examined to further inform and verify the major modeling predictions. Together, the results indicate that nanopatterned surfaces do not kill bacteria predominantly by rupture in between protruding pillars as previously thought. Instead, nondevelopable deformation about pillar tips is more likely to create a critical site at the pillar apex, which delivers significant in-plane strains and may locally rupture and penetrate the cell. The computational analysis also demonstrates that envelope deformation is increased by adhesion to nanopatterns with smaller pillar radii and spacing. These results further progress understanding of the mechanism of nanopatterned surfaces and help guide their design for enhanced bactericidal efficiency.

Biofilm removal from a simulated isthmus and lateral canal during syringe irrigation at various flow rates: a combined experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics approach

Aim

(i) To quantify biofilm removal from a simulated isthmus and a lateral canal in an artificial root canal system during syringe irrigation with NaOCl at different concentrations and delivered at various flow rates (ii) to examine whether biofilm removal is further improved by a final high‐flow‐rate rinse with an inert irrigant following irrigation with NaOCl. (iii) to simulate the irrigant flow in these areas using a computer model (iv) to examine whether the irrigant velocity calculated by the computer model is correlated to biofilm removal.

Methodology

Ninety‐six artificial root canals with either a simulated isthmus or lateral canal were used. A dual‐species in vitro biofilm was formed in these areas using a Constant Depth Film Fermenter. NaOCl at various concentrations (2, 5 and 10%) or adhesion buffer (control) was delivered for 30 s by a syringe and an open‐ended needle at 0.033, 0.083, or 0.166 mL s⁻¹ or passively deposited in the main root canal (phase 1). All specimens were subsequently rinsed for 30 s with adhesion buffer at 0.166 mL s⁻¹ (phase 2). The biofilm was scanned by Optical Coherence Tomography to determine the percentage of the remaining biofilm. Results were analysed by two 3‐way mixed‐design ANOVAs (α = 0.05). A Computational Fluid Dynamics model was used to simulate the irrigant flow inside the artificial root canal system.

Results

The flow rate during phase 1 and additional irrigation during phase 2 had a significant effect on the percentage of the remaining biofilm in the isthmus (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001). Additional irrigation during phase 2 also affected the remaining biofilm in the lateral canal significantly (P ≤ 0.007) but only when preceded by irrigation at medium or high flow rate during phase 1. The effect of NaOCl concentration was not significant (P > 0.05). Irrigant velocity in the isthmus and lateral canal increased with increasing flow rate and it was substantially correlated to biofilm removal from those areas.

Conclusions

The irrigant flow rate affected biofilm removal in vitro more than NaOCl concentration. Irrigant velocity predicted by the computer model corresponded with the pattern of biofilm removal from the simulated isthmus and lateral canal.

A microfluidic platform for in situ investigation of biofilm formation and its treatment under controlled conditions

Background

Studying bacterial adhesion and early biofilm development is crucial for understanding the physiology of sessile bacteria and forms the basis for the development of novel antimicrobial biomaterials. Microfluidics technologies can be applied in such studies since they permit dynamic real-time analysis and a more precise control of relevant parameters compared to traditional static and flow chamber assays. In this work, we aimed to establish a microfluidic platform that permits real-time observation of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation under precisely controlled homogeneous laminar flow conditions.

Results

Using Escherichia coli as the model bacterial strain, a microfluidic platform was developed to overcome several limitations of conventional microfluidics such as the lack of spatial control over bacterial colonization and allow label-free observation of bacterial proliferation at single-cell resolution. This platform was applied to demonstrate the influence of culture media on bacterial colonization and the consequent eradication of sessile bacteria by antibiotic. As expected, the nutrient-poor medium (modified M9 minimal medium) was found to promote bacterial adhesion and to enable a higher adhesion rate compared to the nutrient-rich medium (tryptic soy broth rich medium ). However, in rich medium the adhered cells colonized the glass surface faster than those in poor medium under otherwise identical conditions. For the first time, this effect was demonstrated to be caused by a higher retention of newly generated bacteria in the rich medium, rather than faster growth especially during the initial adhesion phase. These results also indicate that higher adhesion rate does not necessarily lead to faster biofilm formation. Antibiotic treatment of sessile bacteria with colistin was further monitored by fluorescence microscopy at single-cell resolution, allowing in situ analysis of killing efficacy of antimicrobials.

Conclusion

The platform established here represents a powerful and versatile tool for studying environmental effects such as medium composition on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Our microfluidic setup shows great potential for the in vitro assessment of new antimicrobials and antifouling agents under flow conditions.

Different binding mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus to hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces

Bacterial adhesion to surfaces is a crucial step in initial biofilm formation. In a combined experimental and computational approach, we studied the adhesion of the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus to hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. We used atomic force microscopy-based single-cell force spectroscopy and Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the similarities and differences of adhesion to hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. Our results reveal that binding to both types of surfaces is mediated by thermally fluctuating cell wall macromolecules that behave differently on each type of substrate: on hydrophobic surfaces, many macromolecules are involved in adhesion, yet only weakly tethered, leading to high variance between individual bacteria, but low variance between repetitions with the same bacterium. On hydrophilic surfaces, however, only few macromolecules tether strongly to the surface. Since during every repetition with the same bacterium different macromolecules bind, we observe a comparable variance between repetitions and different bacteria. We expect these findings to be of importance for the understanding of the adhesion behaviour of many bacterial species as well as other microorganisms and even nanoparticles with soft, macromolecular coatings, used e.g. for biological diagnostics.

Modeling QCM-D Response to Deposition and Attachment of Microparticles and Living Cells

Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) is a powerful tool for studying adhesion, yet its use for analyzing the deposition of microparticles and living cells on surfaces has been hampered by difficulties in interpretation. Here we report a new quantitative model of QCM-D response, presented as an equivalent acoustic impedance circuit. As an essential feature, the particle interaction with surrounding fluid is modeled by relations for a freely oscillating rotating and translating sphere in an unbounded fluid, which is a valid approximation for microparticles. This helps deduce from the measured reponse the parameters pertinent to the contact mechanics. We use the model to analyze deposition of different microparticles as well as Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria on several substrates using QCM-D combined with real-time microscopy. The parameter space is increased by varying particle type and size, substrate surface chemistry and rigidity, and ionic strength of the solution, which allows observation of diverse responses and transition from inertial to elastic loading, including rarely observed resonant regimes. Ultimately, we find that the model describes reasonably well the observed response for different microparticles and substrates, as well as for bacteria, and enables extraction of the contact characteristics in elastic and mixed loading regimes. It also reveals discrepancies between measured and anticipated parameters for large particles. The new model can be a useful tool for interpreting and quantifying QCM-D data on the adhesion of particles and living cells to surfaces, including time-dependent adhesion phenomena.

Protein-repelling adhesive resin containing calcium phosphate nanoparticles with repeated ion-recharge and re-releases

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to develop a calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ion-rechargeable and protein-repellent adhesive containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), and investigate the MPC effects on ion recharge and re-releases for the first time.

METHODS

Pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate and ethoxylated bisphenol-A dimethacrylate were used to fabricate adhesive PEHB. Six adhesives were tested: (1) Scotchbond (SBMP); (2) PEHB, (3) PEHB + 20%NACP; (4) PEHB + 30%NACP; (5) PEHB + 20%NACP+3%MPC; (6) PEHB + 30%NACP+3%MPC. Dentin shear bond strength, Ca/P ion release, recharge and re-release, and protein adsorption were measured. A microcosm biofilm model was tested for lactic-acid production and colony-forming units (CFU).

RESULTS

Adding NACP + MPC did not negatively affect dentin bond strength (p > 0.1). With increasing the number of recharge/re-release cycles, the Ca/P ion re-release reached similarly higher levels (p > 0.1), indicating long-term remineralization capability. One recharge enabled the adhesives to have continued re-releases for 21 days. Incorporation of 3% MPC yielded 10-fold decrease in protein adsorption, and 1-2 log decrease in biofilm CFU.

CONCLUSIONS

The new rechargeable adhesive with MPC + 30%NACP greatly reduced protein adsorption, biofilm growth and lactic acid. Incorporation of MPC did not compromise the excellent Ca/P ion release, rechargeability, and dentin bond strength.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Novel bioactive adhesive containing MPC + NACP is promising to repel proteins and bacteria, and inhibit secondary caries at the restoration margins. The method of NACP + MPC to combine CaP-recharge and protein-repellency is applicable to the development of a new generation of materials including composites and cements to suppress oral biofilms and plaque formation and protect tooth structures.

Secreted products of oral bacteria and biofilms impede mineralization of apical papilla stem cells in TLR-, species-, and culture-dependent fashion

Regenerative endodontics exploits the mineralization potential of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) in order to promote root maturation of permanent immature teeth. SCAPs may encounter post-disinfection residual bacteria either in planktonic or in biofilm growth mode. Bacterial components bind to Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and trigger pro-inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that biofilm-triggered TLR activation affects the mineralization potential of human SCAPs. SCAPs were challenged with conditioned media derived from standardized dual-species biofilms and planktonic bacterial cultures and their inflammatory status and mineralization capacity were studied. Bacterial products from both growth modes (planktonic vs. biofilm) compromised cell viability, proliferation and mineralization capacity of SCAPs, but in a species- and growth mode-dependent fashion. While TLR4 expression remained unaffected, TLR2 expression was upregulated coinciding with a pro-inflammatory activation of SCAPs. Moreover, TLR and its downstream TGF-β-associated kinase (TAK1) appeared to be blocking mineralization, as inhibition of these factors restored it. In conclusion, bacterial products promoted the pro-inflammatory status and inhibited mineralization of human SCAPs in a TLR-, species-, and culture-dependent fashion. TLR2 emerged as the pivotal mediator of these responses and further research is warranted towards the judicious manipulation of SCAPs in order to modify the untoward events of TLR-priming and signaling.

Impact of honey on dental erosion and adhesion of early bacterial colonizers

The aim was to investigate if honey causes erosion and if salivary pellicle modified with honey, or its components, or the by-product propolis has a protective effect against dental erosion and adhesion of early bacterial colonizers. The tested substances were: 3 types of honey, methylglyoxal (MGO), hydrogen peroxide, propolis. First in the erosion experiment, 120 human enamel specimens were covered with salivary pellicle and modified with the substances. Then they were eroded with 1% citric acid, pH 3.6 for 2 min, before surface hardness was measured. In the microbiological assay, the enamel specimens (n = 126) covered with modified salivary pellicle were contaminated with bacterial suspensions. The antimicrobial activity of each substance and their effect on early bacterial colonizer adhesion and biofilm formation were determined. Despite a low pH, honey did not cause erosion. On the other hand, pellicle modification with the tested solutions did not protect the enamel from erosion. Microbiologically, the 3 honeys inhibited species-specific growth of oral bacteria. Propolis decreased initial attachment of Streptococcus gordonii, while one honey inhibited demineralization of enamel by biofilm. In conclusion, pellicle modification with honey, or its components, or propolis did neither protect against erosion nor promote it. Propolis presented some bacterial adhesion inhibition.

In vitro methods for the evaluation of antimicrobial surface designs

Bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation on biomedical implants and devices are a major cause of their failure. As systemic antibiotic treatment is often ineffective, there is an urgent need for antimicrobial biomaterials and coatings. The term "antimicrobial" can encompass different mechanisms of action (here termed "antimicrobial surface designs"), such as antimicrobial-releasing, contact-killing or non-adhesivity. Biomaterials equipped with antimicrobial surface designs based on different mechanisms of action require different in vitro evaluation methods. Available industrial standard evaluation tests do not address the specific mechanisms of different antimicrobial surface designs and have therefore been modified over the past years, adding to the myriad of methods available in the literature to evaluate antimicrobial surface designs. The aim of this review is to categorize fourteen presently available methods including industrial standard tests for the in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial surface designs according to their suitability with respect to their antimicrobial mechanism of action. There is no single method or industrial test that allows to distinguish antimicrobial designs according to all three mechanisms identified here. However, critical consideration of each method clearly relates the different methods to a specific mechanism of antimicrobial action. It is anticipated that use of the provided table with the fourteen methods will avoid the use of wrong methods for evaluating new antimicrobial designs and therewith facilitate translation of novel antimicrobial biomaterials and coatings to clinical use. The need for more and better updated industrial standard tests is emphasized.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

European COST-action TD1305, IPROMEDAI aims to provide better understanding of mechanisms of antimicrobial surface designs of biomaterial implants and devices. Current industrial evaluation standard tests do not sufficiently account for different, advanced antimicrobial surface designs, yet are urgently needed to obtain convincing in vitro data for approval of animal experiments and clinical trials. This review aims to provide an innovative and clear guide to choose appropriate evaluation methods for three distinctly different mechanisms of antimicrobial design: (1) antimicrobial-releasing, (2) contact-killing and (3) non-adhesivity. Use of antimicrobial evaluation methods and definition of industrial standard tests, tailored toward the antimicrobial mechanism of the design, as identified here, fulfill a missing link in the translation of novel antimicrobial surface designs to clinical use.

Real-time formation of salivary films onto polymeric materials for dental applications: Differences between unstimulated and stimulated saliva

The formation of salivary films onto oral prostheses materials is of central importance for understanding their performance and interaction with oral tissue and flora. The aim of this work was to study and compare the salivary films formed from unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva on two common polymeric materials, polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate). Irradiating these materials with UV light is a simple way to modify their wettability, roughness and ζ-potential. Therefore, the effect of UV exposure of polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate) on saliva adsorption was also investigated. For this purpose a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation and SDS-PAGE have been combined in order to associate the thicknesses and viscoelastic properties of the salivary films with their protein composition. SDS-PAGE results suggest that a larger diversity of proteins is involved in the formation of stimulated saliva pellicles. Furthermore, according to QCM-D, pellicles formed from stimulated saliva are thinner and stiffer than the ones formed from unstimulated saliva if the polymeric materials have not been exposed to UV light although both types of saliva form a biphasic layer. For UV-treated materials, the same is applied to polycarbonate but not to poly(methyl methacrylate) where stimulated saliva yields thicker and softer films than unstimulated saliva being the adsorption process of a multiphasic nature. These results highlight the importance of choosing the appropriate sample depending on the type of study to be performed.

Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite Substrates: Bridging the Gap between Model Surfaces and Enamel

Hydroxyapatite substrates are common biomaterials, yet samples of natural teeth do not meet the demands for well-defined, highly reproducible properties. Pellets of hydroxyapatite were produced via the field assisted sintering technology (FAST) as well as via pressureless sintering (PLS). The applied synthesis routes provide samples of very high density (95%-99% of the crystallographic density) and of very low surface roughness (lower than 1 nm when averaged per 1 μm²). The chemical composition of the raw material (commercial HAP powder) as well as the crystalline structure is maintained by the sintering processes. These specimens can therefore be considered as promising model surfaces for studies on the interactions of biomaterial with surfaces of biological relevance, as demonstrated for the adsorption of BSA proteins.

Impact of Acquired Pellicle Modification on Adhesion of Early Colonizers

New preventive approaches against dental erosion caused by acidic drinks and beverages include fortification of beverages with natural polymers. We have shown that the mixture of casein and mucin significantly improved the erosion-inhibiting properties of the human pellicle layer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pellicle modification by casein, mucin and a casein-mucin mixture on the adhesion of early bacterial colonizers. Test specimens of human tooth enamel were prepared, covered with saliva and coated with 0.5% aqueous (aq.) casein, 0.27% aq. mucin or with 0.5% aq. casein-0.27% aq. mucin, after which the adhesion of Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus oralis, and Actinomyces odontolyticus was measured after incubation for 30 min and 2 h. log10 colony-forming units were compared by nonparametric tests. All three bacterial strains adhered in higher number to pellicle-coated enamel than to native enamel. The protein modifications of pellicle all decreased the counts of adhering bacteria up to 0.34 log10/mm2, the most efficient being the casein-mucin mixture. In addition to the recently shown erosion-reducing effect by casein-mucin, modification of the pellicle may inhibit bacterial adherence compared to untreated human pellicle.

Atomic force microscopy measurements of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation onto clay-sized particles

Bacterial adhesion onto mineral surfaces and subsequent biofilm formation play key roles in aggregate stability, mineral weathering, and the fate of contaminants in soils. However, the mechanisms of bacteria-mineral interactions are not fully understood. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to determine the adhesion forces between bacteria and goethite in water and to gain insight into the nanoscale surface morphology of the bacteria-mineral aggregates and biofilms formed on clay-sized minerals. This study yields direct evidence of a range of different association mechanisms between bacteria and minerals. All strains studied adhered predominantly to the edge surfaces of kaolinite rather than to the basal surfaces. Bacteria rarely formed aggregates with montmorillonite, but were more tightly adsorbed onto goethite surfaces. This study reports the first measured interaction force between bacteria and a clay surface, and the approach curves exhibited jump-in events with attractive forces of 97 ± 34 pN between E. coli and goethite. Bond strengthening between them occurred within 4 s to the maximum adhesion forces and energies of -3.0 ± 0.4 nN and -330 ± 43 aJ (10(-18) J), respectively. Under the conditions studied, bacteria tended to form more extensive biofilms on minerals under low rather than high nutrient conditions.

Binding Force Dynamics of Streptococcus mutans-glucosyltransferase B to Candida albicans

Candida albicans cells are often detected with Streptococcus mutans in plaque biofilms from children affected with early childhood caries. The coadhesion between these 2 organisms appears to be largely mediated by the S. mutans-derived exoenzyme glucosyltransferase B (GtfB); GtfB readily binds to C. albicans cells in an active form, producing glucans locally that provide enhanced binding sites for S. mutans. However, knowledge is limited about the mechanisms by which the bacterial exoenzyme binds to and functions on the fungal surface to promote this unique cross-kingdom interaction. In this study, we use atomic force microscopy to understand the strength and binding dynamics modulating GtfB-C. albicans adhesive interactions in situ. Single-molecule force spectroscopy with GtfB-functionalized atomic force microscopy tips demonstrated that the enzyme binds with remarkable strength to the C. albicans cell surface (~2 nN) and showed a low dissociation rate, suggesting a highly stable bond. Strikingly, the binding strength of GtfB to the C. albicans surface was ~2.5-fold higher and the binding stability, ~20 times higher, as compared with the enzyme adhesion to S. mutans. Furthermore, adhesion force maps showed an intriguing pattern of GtfB binding. GtfB adhered heterogeneously on the surface of C. albicans, showing a higher frequency of adhesion failure but large sections of remarkably strong binding forces, suggesting the presence of GtfB binding domains unevenly distributed on the fungal surface. In contrast, GtfB bound uniformly across the S. mutans cell surface with less adhesion failure and a narrower range of binding forces (vs. the C. albicans surface). The data provide the first insights into the mechanisms underlying the adhesive and mechanical properties governing GtfB interactions with C. albicans. The strong and highly stable GtfB binding to C. albicans could explain, at least in part, why this bacterially derived exoenzyme effectively modulates this virulent cross-kingdom interaction.

Bacterial adhesion force quantification by fluidic force microscopy

Quantification of detachment forces between bacteria and substrates facilitates the understanding of the bacterial adhesion process that affects cell physiology and survival. Here, we present a method that allows for serial, single bacterial cell force spectroscopy by combining the force control of atomic force microscopy with microfluidics. Reversible bacterial cell immobilization under physiological conditions on the pyramidal tip of a microchanneled cantilever is achieved by underpressure. Using the fluidic force microscopy technology (FluidFM), we achieve immobilization forces greater than those of state-of-the-art cell-cantilever binding as demonstrated by the detachment of Escherichia coli from polydopamine with recorded forces between 4 and 8 nN for many cells. The contact time and setpoint dependence of the adhesion forces of E. coli and Streptococcus pyogenes, as well as the sequential detachment of bacteria out of a chain, are shown, revealing distinct force patterns in the detachment curves. This study demonstrates the potential of the FluidFM technology for quantitative bacterial adhesion measurements of cell-substrate and cell-cell interactions that are relevant in biofilms and infection biology.

Binding forces of Streptococcus mutans P1 adhesin

Streptococcus mutans is a Gram-positive oral bacterium that is a primary etiological agent associated with human dental caries. In the oral cavity, S. mutans adheres to immobilized salivary agglutinin (SAG) contained within the salivary pellicle on the tooth surface. Binding to SAG is mediated by cell surface P1, a multifunctional adhesin that is also capable of interacting with extracellular matrix proteins. This may be of particular importance outside of the oral cavity as S. mutans has been associated with infective endocarditis and detected in atherosclerotic plaque. Despite the biomedical importance of P1, its binding mechanisms are not completely understood. In this work, we use atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule and single-cell force spectroscopy to quantify the nanoscale forces driving P1-mediated adhesion. Single-molecule experiments show that full-length P1, as well as fragments containing only the P1 globular head or C-terminal region, binds to SAG with relatively weak forces (∼50 pN). In contrast, single-cell analyses reveal that adhesion of a single S. mutans cell to SAG is mediated by strong (∼500 pN) and long-range (up to 6000 nm) forces. This is likely due to the binding of multiple P1 adhesins to self-associated gp340 glycoproteins. Such a cooperative, long-range character of the S. mutans-SAG interaction would therefore dramatically increase the strength and duration of cell adhesion. We also demonstrate, at single-molecule and single-cell levels, the interaction of P1 with fibronectin and collagen, as well as with hydrophobic, but not hydrophilic, substrates. The binding mechanism (strong forces, cooperativity, broad specificity) of P1 provides a molecular basis for its multifunctional adhesion properties. Our methodology represents a valuable approach to probe the binding forces of bacterial adhesins and offers a tractable methodology to assess anti-adhesion therapy.

Evaluation of a biofilm formation by Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis on titanium implants

The aim of this study was to assess the capabilities of Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis to colonize the grade 4 titanium coupons (modSLA) used in dental implants. The effect of ampicillin, which is known to be a poorly penetrating agent in the matrix biofilm, was also compared with planktonic and sessile cells. The modSLA colonization by bacteria in KNO3 (0.05 mol l(-1)) and culture media (DSM 63 and fetal bovine serum) was determined by direct cell counts and field emission electronic microscopy. The surface of titanium (Ti) coupons was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and by Raman spectroscopy. Cells, mainly located in surface pores of modSLA coupons, appeared to be wrapped in a polymeric-like structure. The initial apparent rates of adhesion varied from 3 × 10(6) to 30 × 10(6) cells cm(-2) h(-1), and a plateau was reached at 1 day, regardless of the incubation medium. No cells have significantly adhered to polished Ti, and a minority was found on massive Ti. Finally, cells trapped on the modSLA surface were not lysed by ampicillin contrary to planktonic cells. Des. fairfieldensis is therefore able to colonize the rough surface of modSLA implant through a physical trapping in the microporosity of the surface, where they can produce a biofilm-like structure to improve their resistance to ampicillin.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis is one of the most relevant sulphate-reducing bacteria of the human oral cavity suspected to be involved in peri-implantitis and implant corrosion. This study demonstrates for the first time that Des. fairfieldensis is able to initiate the formation of a biofilm-like structure on the microstructured titanium coupons used in dental implants and that it improves its resistance to antibiotic treatment. It gives new insight to understand the capacity of this opportunistic pathogen to colonize implant surfaces and to resist to biocide treatments.

Poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(3-sulfopropyl methacrylate) block copolymers for calcium phosphate mineralization and biofilm inhibition

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has long been used as an additive in toothpaste, partly because it reduces biofilm formation on teeth. It does not, however, reduce the formation of dental calculus or support the remineralization of dental enamel or dentine. The present article describes the synthesis of new block copolymers on the basis of PEO and poly(3-sulfopropyl methacrylate) blocks using atom transfer radical polymerization. The polymers have very large molecular weights (over 10(6) g/mol) and are highly water-soluble. They delay the precipitation of calcium phosphate from aqueous solution but, upon precipitation, lead to relatively monodisperse hydroxyapatite (HAP) spheres. Moreover, the polymers inhibit the bacterial colonization of human enamel by Streptococcus gordonii, a pioneer bacterium in oral biofilm formation, in vitro. The formation of well-defined HAP spheres suggests that a polymer-induced liquid precursor phase could be involved in the precipitation process. Moreover, the inhibition of bacterial adhesion suggests that the polymers could be utilized in caries prevention.

Study of bacterial adhesion on different glycopolymer surfaces by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation

Protein-carbohydrate interactions are involved in a wide variety of cellular recognition processes including cell growth regulation, differentiation and adhesion, the immune response, and viral or bacterial infections. A common way for bacteria to achieve adhesion is through their fimbriae which possess cellular lectins that can bind to complementary carbohydrates on the surface of the host tissues. In this work, we synthesized glycopolymers using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization which were subsequently immobilized on a sensor surface for studies of bacterial adhesion by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). Ricinus communis Agglutinin (RCA120), a galactose specific lectin, was first studied by QCM-D to determine the specific lectin interactions to the different glycopolymers-treated surfaces. Subsequently, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 (a Gram-negative bacterium with galactose-specific binding C-type lectin (PA-IL)) and Escherichia coli K-12 (a Gram-negative bacterium with mannose-specific binding lectin) were then used as model bacteria to study bacterial adhesion mechanisms on different polymer-treated sensor surfaces by the coupled resonance theory. Our results showed that lectin-carbohydrate interactions play significant roles in comparison to the nonspecific interactions, such as electrostatic interactions. A significantly higher amount of P. aeruginosa PAO1 could adhere on the glycopolymer surface with strong contact point stiffness as compared to E. coli K-12 on the same surface. Furthermore, in comparison to E. coli K-12, the adhesion of P. aeruginosa PAO1 to the glycopolymers was found to be highly dependent on the presence of calcium ions due to the specific C-type lectin interactions of PA-IL, and also the enhanced bacterial adhesion is attributed to the stiffer glycopolymer surface in higher ionic strength condition.

Capture of soft particles on electrostatically heterogeneous collectors: brushy particles

This work investigated how particle softness can influence the initial adhesive capture of submicrometer colloidal particles from flow onto collecting surfaces. The study focused on the case dominated by potential attractions at the particle periphery (rather than, for instance, steric stabilization, requiring entropically costly deformations to access shorter-range van der Waals attractions.) The particles, "spherical polyelectrolyte brushes" with diameters in the range of 150-200 nm depending on the ionic strength, consisted of a polystyrene core and a corona of grafted poly(acrylic acid) chains, producing a relatively thick (20-40 nm) negative brushy layer. The adhesion of these particles was studied on electrostatically heterogeneous collecting surfaces: negatively charged substrates carrying flat polycationic patches made by irreversibly adsorbing the poly-l-lysine (PLL) polyelectrolyte. Variation in the amount of adsorbed PLL changed the net collector charge from completely negatively charged (repulsive) to positively charged (attractive). Adjustments in ionic strength varied the range of the electrostatic interactions. Comparing capture kinetics of soft brushy particles to those of similarly sized and similarly charged silica particles revealed nearly identical particle capture kinetics over the full range of collecting surface compositions at high ionic strengths. Even though the brushy particles contained an average of 5 vol % PAA in the brushy shell, with the rest being water under these conditions, their capture was indistinguishable from that of similarly charged rigid spheres. The brushy particles were, however, considerably less adherent at low ionic strengths where the brush was more extended, suggesting an influence of particle deformability or reduced interfacial charge. These findings, that the short time adhesion of brushy particles can resemble that of rigid particles, suggest that for bacteria and cell capture, modeling the cells as rigid particles can, in some instances, be a good approximation.

Nanoscale adhesion forces between enamel pellicle proteins and hydroxyapatite

The acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) is important for minimizing the abrasion caused by parafunctional conditions as they occur, for instance, during bruxism. It is a remarkable feature of the AEP that a protein/peptide film can provide enough protection in normofunction to prevent teeth from abrasion and wear. Despite its obvious critical role in the protection of tooth surfaces, the essential adhesion features of AEP proteins on the enamel surface are poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to measure the adhesion force between histatin 5, a primary AEP component, and hydroxyapatite (HA) surfaces. Both biotinylated histatin 5 and biotinylated human serum albumin were allowed to adsorb to streptavidin-coated silica microspheres attached to atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilevers. A multimode AFM with a Nanoscope IIIa controller was used to measure the adhesion force between protein-functionalized silica microspheres attached to cantilever tips and the HA surface. The imaging was performed in tapping mode with a Si3N4 AFM cantilever, while the adhesion forces were measured in AFM contact mode. A collection of force-distance curves (~3,000/replicate) was obtained to generate histograms from which the adhesion forces between histatin 5 or albumin and the HA surface were measured. We found that histatin 5 exhibited stronger adhesion forces (90% >1.830 nN) to the HA surface than did albumin (90% > 0.282 nN). This study presents an objective approach to adhesion force measurements between histatin 5 and HA, and provides the experimental basis for measuring the same parameters for other AEP constituents. Such knowledge will help in the design of synthetic proteins and peptides with preventive and therapeutic benefits for tooth enamel.

Easy come easy go: surfaces containing immobilized nanoparticles or isolated polycation chains facilitate removal of captured Staphylococcus aureus by retarding bacterial bond maturation

Adhesion of bacteria is a key step in the functioning of antimicrobial surfaces or certain types of on-line sensors. The subsequent removal of these bacteria, within a ∼ 10-30 min time frame, is equally important but complicated by the tendency of bacterial adhesion to strengthen within minutes of initial capture. This study uses Staphylococcus aureus as a model bacterium to demonstrate the general strategy of clustering adhesive surface functionality (at length scales smaller than the bacteria themselves) on otherwise nonadhesive surfaces to capture and retain bacteria (easy come) while limiting the progressive strengthening of adhesion. The loose attachment facilitates bacteria removal by moderate shearing flow (easy go). This strategy is demonstrated using surfaces containing sparsely and randomly arranged immobilized amine-functionalized nanoparticles or poly-l-lysine chains, about 10 nm in size. The rest of the surface is backfilled with a nonadhesive polyethylene glycol (PEG) brush that, by itself, repels S. aureus. The nanoparticles or polymer chains cluster cationic functionality, providing small regions that attract negatively charged S. aureus cells. Compared with surfaces of nearly uniform cationic character where S. aureus adhesion quickly becomes strong (on a time scale less than 5 min), placement of cationic charge in small clusters retards or prevents processes that increase bacteria adhesion on a time scale of ∼ 30 min, providing "easy go" surfaces.

Exchange of adsorbed serum proteins during adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to an abiotic surface and Candida albicans hyphae--an AFM study

Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans are the second and third most commonly isolated microorganisms in hospital-related-infections, that are often multi-species in nature causing high morbidity and mortality. Here, adhesion forces between a S. aureus strain and abiotic (tissue-culture-polystyrene, TCPS) or partly biotic (TCPS with adhering hyphae of C. albicans) surfaces were investigated in presence of fetal-bovine-serum or individual serum proteins and related with staphylococcal adhesion. Atomic-force-microscopy was used to measure adhesion forces between S. aureus and the abiotic and biotic surfaces. Adsorption of individual serum proteins like albumin and apo-transferrin to abiotic TCPS surfaces during 60min, impeded development of strong adhesion forces as compared to fibronectin, while 60min adsorption of proteins from fetal-bovine-serum yielded a decrease in adhesion force from -5.7nN in phosphate-buffered-saline to -0.6nN. Adsorption of albumin and apo-transferrin also decreased staphylococcal adhesion forces to hyphae as compared with fibronectin. During 60min exposure to fetal-bovine-serum however, initial (5min protein adsorption) staphylococcal adhesion forces were low (-1.6nN), but strong adhesion forces of around -5.5nN were restored within 60min. This suggests for the first time that in whole fetal-bovine-serum exchange of non-adhesive proteins by fibronectin occurs on biotic C. albicans hyphal surfaces. No evidence was found for such protein exchange on abiotic TCPS surfaces. Staphylococcal adhesion of abiotic and biotic surfaces varied in line with the adhesion forces and was low on TCPS in presence of fetal-bovine-serum. On partly biotic TCPS, staphylococci aggregated in presence of fetal-bovine-serum around adhering C. albicans hyphae.

An electrically reversible switchable surface to control and study early bacterial adhesion dynamics in real-time

Bacterial adhesion can be controlled by applying electrical potentials to surfaces incorporating well-spaced negatively charged 11-mercaptoundecanoic acids. When combined with electrochemical surface plasmon resonance, these dynamic surfaces become powerful for monitoring and analysing the passage between reversible and non-reversible cell adhesion, opening new opportunities to advance our understanding of cell adhesion processes.

Autoinducer-2 influences interactions amongst pioneer colonizing streptococci in oral biofilms

Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus oralis are among the first bacterial species to colonize clean tooth surfaces. Both produce autoinducer-2 (AI-2): a family of inter-convertible cell-cell signal molecules synthesized by the LuxS enzyme. The overall aim of this work was to determine whether AI-2 alters interspecies interactions between S. gordonii DL1 and S. oralis 34 within dual-species biofilms in flowing human saliva. Based upon AI-2 bioluminescence assays, S. gordonii DL1 produced more AI-2 activity than S. oralis 34 in batch culture, and both were able to remove AI-2 activity from solution. In single-species, saliva-fed flowcell systems, S. oralis 34 formed scant biofilms that were similar to the luxS mutant. Conversely, S. gordonii DL1 formed confluent biofilms while the luxS mutant formed architecturally distinct biofilms that possessed twofold greater biovolume than the wild-type. Supplementing saliva with 0.1-10 nM chemically synthesized AI-2 (csAI-2) restored the S. gordonii DL1 luxS biofilm phenotype to that which was similar to the wild-type; above or below this concentration range, biofilms were architecturally similar to that formed by the luxS mutant. In dual-species biofilms, S. gordonii DL1 was always more abundant than S. oralis 34. Compared with dual-species, wild-type biofilms, the biovolume occupied by S. oralis 34 was reduced by greater than sevenfold when neither species produced AI-2. The addition of 1 nM csAI-2 to the dual-species luxS-luxS mutant biofilms re-established the biofilm phenotype to resemble that of the wild-type pair. Thus, this work demonstrates that AI-2 can alter the biofilm structure and composition of pioneering oral streptococcal biofilms. This may influence the subsequent succession of other species into oral biofilms and the ecology of dental plaque.

Environmental and centrifugal factors influencing the visco-elastic properties of oral biofilms in vitro

Centrifugal compaction causes changes in the surface properties of bacterial cells. It has been shown previously that the surface properties of planktonic cells change with increasing centrifugal compaction. This study aimed to analyze the influences of centrifugal compaction and environmental conditions on the visco-elastic properties of oral biofilms. Biofilms were grown out of a layer of initially adhering streptococci, actinomyces or a combination of these. Different uni-axial deformations were induced on the biofilms and the load relaxations were measured over time. Linear-Regression-Analysis demonstrated that both the centrifugation coefficient for streptococci and induced deformation influenced the percentage relaxation. Centrifugal compaction significantly influenced relaxation only upon compression of the outermost 20% of the biofilm (p < 0.05), whereas biofilm composition became influential when 50% deformation was induced, invoking re-arrangement of the bacteria in deeper biofilm structures. In summary, the effects of centrifugal compaction of initially adhering, centrifuged bacteria extend to the visco-elastic properties of biofilms, indicating that the initial bacterial layer influences the structure of the entire biofilm.

Bacterial cell surface damage due to centrifugal compaction

Centrifugal damage has been known to alter bacterial cell surface properties and interior structures, including DNA. Very few studies exist on bacterial damage caused by centrifugation because of the difficulty in relating centrifugation speed and container geometry to the damage caused. Here, we provide a simple, versatile method of analysis for describing the compaction of bacteria during centrifugation based on a proposed centrifugation coefficient, C. Values of C can be related to different bacterial cell surface properties. Changing the geometry of the centrifugation container or centrifugation speeds changed the value of C significantly. Initial deposition rates of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12600 to a glass surface decayed exponentially from 4,217 to 1,478 cm⁻² s⁻¹ with increasing C, while the proportion of staphylococci with a zeta potential of around -15 mV decreased from 97 to 58%. These surface-sensitive parameters were used independently to derive a critical centrifugation coefficient (0.040), above which centrifugation was considered to impact the outcome of surface-sensitive experiments due to cell surface damage. The critical centrifugation coefficient could successfully predict staphylococcal cell surface damage, i.e., a significant change in initial deposition rate or zeta potential distribution, in 84% of all cases included here, whereas the centrifugation speed could predict damage in only 58% of all cases. Moreover, controlling the centrifugation coefficient within narrow limits over a series of experiments yielded 43% smaller standard deviations in initial staphylococcal deposition rates than with centrifugation at fixed speeds for replicate experiments.

Energy transfer, volumetric expansion, and removal of oral biofilms by non-contact brushing

Non-contact removal of oral biofilms offers advantages beyond the reach of bristles, but it is unknown how energy transfer for removal from brush-to-biofilm occurs. In the present study we evaluated non-contact, oral biofilm removal by oscillating-rotating and sonic toothbrushes, and their acoustic output up to 6 mm distance. Whereas some brushes removed biofilm when used at a distance of up to 6 mm, others lost efficacy at a distance of 2-4 mm from the biofilm. Loss of efficacy was accompanied with high standard deviations and volumetric biofilm expansion. Both sonic and oscillating-rotating brushes caused fluid flows and the inclusion of air-bubbles, while non-contact acoustic energy-transfer was demonstrated to decay with distance for both types of brushes. We put forward the following mechanism for non-contact removal: (i) brush energy is absorbed by biofilm, resulting in the visco-elastic expansion of the biofilm; (ii) if the energy absorbed is sufficient and deformation is beyond the yield point, biofilm removal occurs; and (iii) if deformation is in the plastic range but below the yield point (i.e. at the limiting distance for non-contact removal), biofilm is expanded but not removed.

Novel analysis of bacterium-substratum bond maturation measured using a quartz crystal microbalance

Studies in flow displacement systems have shown that the reversibility of bacterial adhesion decreases within seconds to minutes after initial contact of a bacterium with a substratum surface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has confirmed that the forces mediating bacterial adhesion increase over a similar time span. The interfacial rearrangements between adhering bacteria and substratum surfaces responsible for this bond maturation have never been studied. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) senses the interfacial region in real time and nondisruptively up to 250 nm from the sensor surface. In this paper, QCM-D is combined with real-time observation of bacterial adhesion in a flow displacement system, in order to analyze resident-time-dependent changes in dissipation. Three different Streptococcus salivarius strains showed a nonlinear relation between total dissipation shift (DeltaD) and number of adhering bacteria, whereas inert and rigid silica particles demonstrated a linear relation between DeltaD and the number of adhering particles. This suggests removal of interfacial water due to residence time dependent deformation of the nonrigid bacterium-substratum interface during bond maturation. Dissipation could be described by an exponentially decaying function, which combined with adhesion data allowed extraction of the dissipation shifts per bacterium upon initial contact (DeltaD(0)), after bond maturation (DeltaD(infinity)), as well as a characteristic time constant (tau(bm)). All bacterial strains showed significant bond maturation within one minute after their arrival at the substratum surface, which was not observed for silica particles. Dissipation analysis at the level of individually adhering bacteria would have been impossible without the simultaneous real-time analysis of bacterial adhesion numbers.