Related Experiment Videos
Distribution of cells between solid/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces.
Ondrea Bermudez1, Daniel Forciniti
1Chemical Engineering Department, University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, Missouri 65409, USA.
Biotechnology Progress
|February 7, 2004
Summary
Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) effectively prevent Streptococcus sanguis from attaching to hydroxyapatite. Specific ATPS formulations significantly reduced bacterial surface coverage on discs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Bacterial adhesion to biomaterials like hydroxyapatite is a significant clinical challenge.
- Controlling bacterial attachment is crucial for preventing infections and device failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) in preventing Streptococcus sanguis attachment to hydroxyapatite discs.
- To identify conditions where ATPSs inhibit bacterial adhesion while allowing cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial growth curves were determined in the presence of various polymers and salts used in ATPSs.
- Streptococcus sanguis cells were incubated with hydroxyapatite discs in different media, polymer, salt, and ATPS concentrations.
- Bacterial attachment was quantified using scanning electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Specific ATPS formulations, such as PEG/Na(2)SO(4) in high-concentration yeast-tryptone media and PEG/MgSO(4) in nutrient-limited media, reduced S. sanguis surface coverage to below 10%.
- Bacterial growth was comparable to pure media in selected ATPS conditions.
- Nutrient availability did not influence attachment levels when using PEG/Na(2)SO(4) ATPS.
Conclusions:
- ATPSs represent a promising strategy for inhibiting Streptococcus sanguis adhesion to hydroxyapatite.
- The effectiveness of ATPSs in preventing bacterial attachment is dependent on the specific system composition and media conditions.