Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 15, 2025
Oral Biofilm Formation on Different Materials for Dental Implants
Published on: June 24, 2018
S. aureus develops biofilms on titanium within 2 weeks in vitro
Sebastian Philipp von Hertzberg-Boelch1, Maximilian Rudert1, Felix Haker2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
Background:
The formation of biofilms, characterized by cell aggregation and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, is a common feature of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI).
Objective:
The current study aimed to investigate the development of biofilm features in vitro within less than 3 weeks by Staphylococcus aureus isolated from PJIs.
Methods:
Biofilms were grown on sandblasted titanium discs, and fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy were used to observe biofilm maturation for 21 days.
Results:
DNA mass decreased initially, then increased from day 5 onwards, and decreased again after day 7. The proportion of living to dead bacteria oscillated until day 7 and increased at day 10 for strain A and day 14 for strain B. EPS mass decreased initially and then continuously increased. Multilayer bacterial organization was observed at day 7.
Conclusion:
Cell aggregation occurred during the first week, followed by EPS production in the second week, and characteristic biofilm features were observed within 1 to 2 weeks.
Insights
Biofilm formation in periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) by Staphylococcus aureus occurs rapidly. Key features like cell aggregation and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production develop within 1-2 weeks in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Biofilm formation, involving cell aggregation and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, is a hallmark of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI).
- Understanding the kinetics of biofilm development is crucial for effective treatment strategies against PJI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro development of biofilm characteristics by Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from PJI.
- To determine the timeline for the emergence of key biofilm features within a 3-week period.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on sandblasted titanium discs.
- Utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy to monitor biofilm maturation over 21 days.
Main Results:
- Bacterial DNA mass showed dynamic changes, decreasing initially then increasing and decreasing again.
- The ratio of live to dead bacteria fluctuated, with notable increases observed by days 10-14.
- Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) mass initially decreased before a continuous increase, and multilayer bacterial structures were evident by day 7.
Conclusions:
- Characteristic biofilm features, including cell aggregation and EPS production, manifest within 1 to 2 weeks.
- The study demonstrates rapid in vitro biofilm development by PJI-associated Staphylococcus aureus strains.
