[Compared viability of planctonic bacteria and bacteria in biofilms by flow cytometry]

Study of biofilms adhering to various surfaces shows the presence of several layers of cells. A small percentage can grow immediately. Are the others viable? These cells are in a resting phase and exhibit a metabolic gradient through the depth of the biofilm. In order to assess the health hazard of active recovery of these resting cells, we studied biofilms with two fluorochromes: a fluorescein diacetate derivative, CDF, which detects esterase activity and gives a green fluorescence to cells, and propidium iodide, IP, which enters cells with injured membranes and gives a red fluorescence to nucleic acids. Confocal microscopy can be used to localized red and green cells at various depths in biofilms but flow cytometry is necessary for a semi-quantitative analysis. We focused on parameters required to obtain valid flow cytometry results. After elimination of bacterial and glycocalyx autofluoresce and choosing non-toxic marker concentrations flow cytometry revealed a large proportion of double-marked cells, i.e. cells exhibiting esterase synthesis and membrane injuries. The question is whether these cells are a public health hazard. Can these cells repair their injuries and recover viability when they leave the biofilm? Do they recover metabolic activity, virulence, and sensitivity to antibacterials? Flow cytometry enabled the identification of four levels of viability in oral streptococci biofilms.