Continuous culture of mixed oral flora on hydroxyapatite-coated glass beads

Methods for initiating and perpetuating a culture of mixed oral flora on hydroxyapatite (HT)-coated glass beads are described. Preliminary characterization of the resultant flora showed that species common in human dental plaque were present. The composition of the flora could be manipulated by altering cultural conditions. Scanning electron micrographs demonstrated that the microbes grew in densely packed microcolonies on the surface of the HT bead. A procedure for continuous culture of colonized HT beads in glass columns is described. This technique should make it possible to utilize experimental protocols employing continuous or interrupted flow of materials.