Journal ArticleDOI
Architecture of Intact Natural Human Plaque Biofilms Studied by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
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TLDR
An in situ device for the in vivo generation of intact dental plaque biofilms on natural tooth surfaces in human subjects showed a more open architecture, consistent with recent models of biofilm structure from other habitats and has important implications for the delivery of therapeutics to desired targets within the plaque.Abstract:
Determination of the structure of human plaque will be of great benefit in the prediction of its formation and also the effects of treatment. However, a problem lies in the harvesting of undisturbed intact plaque samples from human volunteers and the viewing of the biofilms in their natural state. In this study, we used an in situ device for the in vivo generation of intact dental plaque biofilms on natural tooth surfaces in human subjects. Two devices were placed in the mouths of each of eight healthy volunteers and left to generate biofilm for 4 days. Immediately upon removal from the mouth, the intact, undisturbed biofilms were imaged by the non-invasive technique of confocal microscopy in both reflected light and fluorescence mode. Depth measurements indicated that the plaque formed in the devices was thicker round the edges at the enamel/nylon junction (range = 75-220 microm) than in the center of the devices (range = 35-215 microm). The reflected-light confocal images showed a heterogeneous structure in all of the plaque biofilms examined; channels and voids were clearly visible. This is in contrast to images generated previously by electron microscopy, suggesting a more compact structure. Staining of the biofilms with fluorescein in conjunction with fluorescence imaging suggested that the voids were fluid-filled. This more open architecture is consistent with recent models of biofilm structure from other habitats and has important implications for the delivery of therapeutics to desired targets within the plaque.read more
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
Biofilm formation by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans: development, architecture, and drug resistance.
Jyotsna Chandra,Duncan M. Kuhn,Pranab K. Mukherjee,Lois L. Hoyer,Thomas S. McCormick,Mahmoud A. Ghannoum +5 more
TL;DR: The studies described here form the basis for investigations into the molecular mechanisms of Candida biofilm biology and antifungal resistance and provide the means to design novel therapies for biofilm-based infections.
Journal ArticleDOI
The biofilm matrix – an immobilized but dynamic microbial environment
TL;DR: Although exopolysaccharides provide the matrix framework, a wide range of enzyme activities can be found within the biofilm, some of which will greatly affect structural integrity and stability.
Journal ArticleDOI
Dental biofilms: difficult therapeutic targets.
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Communication among Oral Bacteria
Paul E. Kolenbrander,R N Andersen,David S. Blehert,Paul G. Egland,Jamie S. Foster,Robert J. Palmer +5 more
TL;DR: Considering that the majority of oral bacteria are organized in dense three-dimensional biofilms on teeth, confocal microscopy and fluorescently labeled probes provide valuable approaches for investigating the architecture of these organized communities in situ.
Journal ArticleDOI
Dental plaque as a microbial biofilm.
TL;DR: Oral bacteria in plaque do not exist as independent entities but function as a co-ordinated, spatially organized and fully metabolically integrated microbial community, the properties of which are greater than the sum of the component species.
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