The use of in vitro model systems to study dental biofilms associated with caries: a short review

Abstract

A dental biofilm forms a distinct environment where microorganisms live in a matrix of extracellular polysaccharides. The biofilm favors certain bacteria and creates a habitat that functions differently compared to planktonic bacteria. Reproducible model systems which help to address various questions related to biofilm formation, the process of caries development, and its prevention are needed and are continuously developed. Recent research using both batch culture, continuous culture and flow cells in caries biofilm formation is presented. The development of new techniques and equipment has led to a deeper understanding of how caries biofilms function. Biofilm models have also been used in the development of materials inhibiting secondary caries. This short review summarizes available models to study these questions.

Keywords: artificial mouth; batch culture; continuous culture; dental caries; flow cell; microcosm.

Fig. 1

Schematic diagram of the dental simulator (after Forssten et al., 2010). 1. Reservoir for artificial saliva/artificial saliva with test substances. 2. Inlet Pump. 3. Simulation vessel with constant stirring and added bacteria. 4. Sample collection during the simulation. 5. Outlet pump. 6. Waste.