Oral Biofilms: Development, Control, and Analysis

Abstract

The oral cavity harbors hundreds of microbial species that are present either as planktonic cells or incorporated into biofilms. The majority of the oral microbes are commensal organisms. Those that are pathogenic microbes can result in oral infections, and at times can initiate systemic diseases. Biofilms that contain pathogens are challenging to control. Many conventional antimicrobials have proven to be ineffective. Recent advances in science and technology are providing new approaches for pathogen control and containment and methods to characterize biofilms. This perspective provides (1) a general understanding of biofilm development; (2) a description of emerging chemical and biological methods to control oral biofilms; and (3) an overview of high-throughput analytical approaches to analyze biofilms.

Keywords: antimicrobial; biofilm; high-throughput analysis.

Figure 1

Biofilm life cycle. (a) Stage 1: Planktonic and free-floating bacteria make contact with a surface randomly or by chemical attraction; (b) Stage 2: Cells aggregate and form microcolonies on the surface; nascent biofilm is formed; (c) Stage 3: Dispersion phase, virulent bacteria disperse and can readily colonize other surfaces.