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Development and characterization of a simple perfused oral microcosm
A J McBain1, C Sissons, R G Ledder
1School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. andrew.mcbain@manchester.ac.uk
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|February 18, 2005
Summary
Multiple Sorbarod devices (MSD) successfully maintain stable oral bacterial communities in vitro. This validated system allows for reproducible modeling of individual oral micro-ecosystems, aiding oral microbiome research.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Biology
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Oral bacterial communities are complex and dynamic.
- Understanding oral micro-ecosystems is crucial for oral health.
- Existing models may not fully replicate in vivo conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate perfused, inline, filter-based fermentation systems (multiple Sorbarod devices, MSD) for maintaining stable oral bacterial communities.
- To assess the ability of MSD to establish and sample replicate microcosm biofilms (BF) and their perfusates (PA).
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of MSD with human saliva.
- Incubation under anaerobic conditions with artificial saliva perfusion.
- Analysis of biofilms and perfusates using differential culture and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization (CKB).
Main Results:
- MSD achieved dynamic stability in biofilms and perfusates within 2-3 days.
- BF harbored high numbers of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic species.
- CKB analysis confirmed significant bacterial diversity and reproduced inter-individual variations in species abundance.
- Prevotella melaninogenica and Fusobacterium nucleatum were identified as dominant Gram-negative species.
Conclusions:
- The MSD system effectively maintains complex and stable salivary microcosms.
- MSD provides a simple, reproducible tool for modeling individual oral bacterial ecosystems.
- This system is valuable for studying the micro-ecology of the oral cavity.