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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Microtiter Dish Biofilm Formation Assay
Published on: January 30, 2011
Synergistic biofilm formation by Parvimonas micra and Fusobacterium nucleatum
Akira Horiuchi1, Eitoyo Kokubu2, Takenobu Warita2
1Department of Endodontics, 2-9-18 Kanda-Misakicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0061, Japan.
Abstract:
Parvimonas micra is frequently isolated from lesions of apical periodontitis and is a major disease-related pathogen. One of the main causes of apical periodontitis is extraradicular biofilm. In this study, we investigated polymicrobial biofilm formation by P. micra and species associated with apical periodontitis. The coaggregation activity of P. micra with partner strains was investigated by visual assays. Synergistic biofilm formation was evaluated by cocultures of P. micra and partner strains. Growth of planktonic cells was measured by evaluating the absorbance at OD660, and biofilm formation was examined by staining with crystal violet. The effects of soluble components on synergistic biofilm formation and planktonic cell growth were examined after coculture of P. micra and other strains separated with a 0.4-μm pore-size porous membrane. P. micra coaggregated with Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, or Capnoctyophaga ochracea. P. micra showed no coaggregation with Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, or Prevotella intermedia. In mixed cultures, biofilm formation by P. micra and F. nucleatum was greater than that by P. micra and P. gingivalis or C. ochracea. In separated cocultures, planktonic cell growth of P. micra was enhanced by each of the three species. Biofilm formation by P. micra was enhanced by F. nucleatum or C. ochracea; however, no significant enhancement was observed with P. gingivalis. These data indicated that P. micra and F. nucleatum had synergistic effects in biofilm formation and that these effects may be important for colonization by these two species in apical periodontitis lesions.
Insights
Parvimonas micra forms synergistic biofilms with Fusobacterium nucleatum, crucial for apical periodontitis. This interaction enhances colonization in disease lesions.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Parvimonas micra is a key pathogen in apical periodontitis.
- Extraradicular biofilms contribute significantly to apical periodontitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate polymicrobial biofilm formation by P. micra and associated species.
- To determine synergistic interactions between P. micra and other oral bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Coaggregation assays were used to assess bacterial interactions.
- Synergistic biofilm formation was evaluated through co-culturing experiments.
- Planktonic growth and biofilm biomass were quantified using spectrophotometry and crystal violet staining.
Main Results:
- P. micra coaggregated with F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis, and C. ochracea.
- Biofilm formation was significantly enhanced when P. micra was co-cultured with F. nucleatum or C. ochracea.
- Soluble factors from F. nucleatum and C. ochracea promoted P. micra planktonic growth.
Conclusions:
- P. micra and F. nucleatum exhibit synergistic biofilm formation.
- These synergistic interactions are likely important for bacterial colonization in apical periodontitis lesions.
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