Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

An Analytical Tool-box for Comprehensive Biochemical, Structural and Transcriptome Evaluation of Oral Biofilms Mediated by Mutans Streptococci
Published on: January 25, 2011
Influence of Streptococcus mutans on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formation
Dong Mei Deng1, Michel A Hoogenkamp, Rob A M Exterkate
1Department of Cariology Endodontology Pedodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Universiteit van Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. d.deng@acta.nl
Introduction:
An important virulence factor of Enterococcus faecalis is its ability to form biofilms. Most studies on biofilm formation have been carried out by using E. faecalis monocultures. Given the polymicrobial nature of root canal infections, it is important to understand biofilm formation of E. faecalis in the presence of other microorganisms.
Methods:
Eight clinical strains of E. faecalis were tested for biofilm formation on hydroxyapatite disks in the presence and absence of a Streptococcus mutans biofilm.
Results:
Significantly more E. faecalis viable cells were found in biofilms in the presence of S. mutans. This phenomenon was, however, strain-dependent. Of the 8 strains tested, biofilm formation of strains AA-OR34, ER5/1, and V583 was not influenced by S. mutans biofilms.
Conclusions:
The results from this study, especially the strain difference, underline the importance of studying biofilm formation in a more realistic multispecies setting.
Related Concept Videos
Biofilms
Development of the Oral Microbiota
The Oral Microbiota
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

