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Concurrent Quantification of Cellular and Extracellular Components of Biofilms
Published on: December 10, 2013
Effect of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate on Streptococcus spp. biofilms
S D'Ercole1, M Di Giulio, R Grande
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
Letters in Applied Microbiology
|January 12, 2011
Summary
2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) reduced bacterial adhesion and increased dead cells in oral streptococci biofilms. This suggests HEMA may help prevent secondary cavities by inhibiting biofilm formation.
Area of Science:
- Dental Biomaterials
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
Background:
- 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a common monomer in resin-based dental materials.
- Understanding HEMA's impact on oral bacteria is crucial for preventing secondary caries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of varying 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) concentrations on biofilm formation and preformed biofilms.
- To assess HEMA's impact on Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus oralis, individually and in combination.
Main Methods:
- Streptococcal broth cultures and mature biofilms were exposed to serial dilutions of HEMA (0.75–12 mmol l⁻¹).
- Bacterial biomass and cell viability were measured in 96-well-microtitre plates.
Main Results:
- HEMA demonstrated strain-specific effects on the Streptococcal population.
- A reduction in biofilm formation and detachment of preformed biofilms was observed for Streptococcus mitis.
- HEMA induced an aggregative effect on mature biofilms in mixed cultures.
- Cell viability decreased in an HEMA-concentration-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- HEMA reduces bacterial adhesion to polystyrene surfaces and increases the proportion of dead, aggregated cells.
- HEMA's anti-biofilm properties may offer a strategy for reducing secondary caries risk by hindering biofilm generation.
