A quantitative method to measure biofilm removal efficiency from complex biomaterial surfaces using SEM and image
N Vyas1,2, R L Sammons2, O Addison2
1Physical Sciences of Imaging for Biomedical Sciences (PSIBS) Doctoral Training Centre, College of Engineering &Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
Scientific Reports
|September 8, 2016
Summary
Machine learning accurately quantifies biofilm on surfaces. Ultrasonic scalers effectively remove Streptococcus mutans biofilm from dental implants using cavitation, offering a novel cleaning method.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Biofilm accumulation on biomaterials poses significant health risks.
- Current methods for evaluating biofilm are indirect and lack accuracy.
- Developing effective biofilm-resistant surfaces and removal techniques is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a machine learning-based method for accurate biofilm segmentation from microscopy images.
- To assess the efficacy of ultrasonic scaler-induced cavitation for biofilm removal from dental implant surfaces.
- To establish a quantitative imaging and analysis protocol for biofilm research.
Main Methods:
- Machine learning algorithms were employed to segment biofilm from scanning electron microscopy images.
- A case study involved disrupting Streptococcus mutans biofilm from sandblasted, acid-etched (SLA) and polished titanium discs using ultrasonic scaler cavitation.
- Quantitative analysis of biofilm removal was performed using the developed imaging and segmentation protocol.
Main Results:
- The machine learning method achieved high sensitivity and specificity in segmenting biofilm from different titanium surface topographies.
- Ultrasonic scaler cavitation significantly removed Streptococcus mutans biofilm from both SLA and polished titanium discs (p < 0.001).
- The developed imaging and analysis protocol provides accurate, quantitative data on biofilm area.
Conclusions:
- Machine learning offers a precise method for quantifying biofilm on surfaces, overcoming limitations of current techniques.
- Ultrasonic cavitation shows potential as a novel and effective method for cleaning dental implants.
- The validated imaging and analysis protocol will benefit researchers and manufacturers studying biofilm dynamics.
