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Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Oral Biofilm Formation on Different Materials for Dental Implants
Published on: June 24, 2018
Biofilm formation of clinically important microorganisms on 2D and 3D poly (methyl methacrylate) substrates: A
Seda Keleştemur1, Zehra Çobandede1, Mustafa Çulha1
1Yeditepe University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Kayısdagı Cad., 34755, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Clinically relevant microorganisms threaten patient's health often through biofilm formation on polymeric medical devices and implants. Poly (methyl methacrylate) is a commonly used polymer in medical implants and dental devices. In this study, biofilm characteristics of model microorganisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans, were investigated at molecular level on 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) PMMA substrates to understand the influence of surface structures on biofilm formation and also to demonstrate the discrimination of microorganisms according to their metabolic activities by utilizing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). It was found that the fibrous 3D structure enhanced the assembly of microorganisms and enriched the biofilm structure while smooth polymeric surface decreased the biofilm formation rate and variety of biofilm content. Among the studied microorganisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans had a higher tendency to form biofilm on both 2D and 3D PMMA substrates. Although Staphlylococcus epidermidis showed slow adaption on PMMA surfaces, the 3D porous surfaces increased its biofilm formation rate significantly compared to 2D surface.
Insights
3D structures on poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) enhance microbial biofilm formation, unlike smoother surfaces. This research aids in developing better medical devices by understanding biofilm assembly on different PMMA textures.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Biofilm formation on medical devices poses significant patient health risks.
- Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is widely used in medical implants and dental applications.
- Understanding microbial interactions with PMMA surfaces is crucial for preventing device-associated infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate biofilm formation of key microorganisms on 2D and 3D PMMA substrates.
- To elucidate the impact of surface topography on microbial assembly and biofilm characteristics.
- To demonstrate the use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for discriminating microorganisms based on metabolic activity.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of model microorganisms: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans.
- Biofilm analysis on 2D and 3D PMMA substrates with varying surface structures.
- Utilizing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for molecular-level investigation and metabolic discrimination.
Main Results:
- Fibrous 3D PMMA structures significantly enhanced microbial assembly and biofilm complexity.
- Smooth PMMA surfaces exhibited reduced biofilm formation rates and diversity.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans showed high biofilm formation tendency on both 2D and 3D PMMA.
- 3D porous surfaces notably increased Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation compared to 2D surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Surface topography of PMMA critically influences biofilm formation dynamics.
- 3D structures promote more robust biofilm development, necessitating targeted strategies for device design.
- SERS offers a viable method for differentiating microorganisms based on their metabolic profiles on biomaterials.
