Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
10:24
Assessing the Viability of a Synthetic Bacterial Consortium on the In Vitro Gut Host-microbe Interface
Published on: July 4, 2018
11.8K
Short-Term Probiotic Colonization Alters Molecular Dynamics of 3D Oral Biofilms
Nadeeka S Udawatte1, Chun Liu1, Reuben Staples1
1Center for Oral-facial Regeneration, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (COR3), School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 12, 2025
Summary
Oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 (Ssk12) showed transient colonization for up to 7 days in 3D oral biofilm models. Short-term Ssk12 use altered microbial communities and boosted stress resistance, indicating potential for functional shifts.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Biofilm research
- Probiotic science
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) scaffold systems are crucial for studying oral polymicrobial biofilms and probiotic interactions.
- Streptococcus salivarius K12 (Ssk12) is a promising oral probiotic for modulating microbial homeostasis.
- Understanding Ssk12's adhesion, persistence, and integration mechanisms is vital for its therapeutic efficacy but remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal colonization dynamics of Ssk12 on oral biofilms.
- To assess the impact of Ssk12 colonization on the structure and function of salivary biofilms.
- To explore Ssk12's integration into the native oral microbiome using 3D scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Utilized melt-electrowritten poly(ε-caprolactone) (MEW-mPCL) scaffolds to mimic the oral niche.
- Monitored Ssk12 colonization using smFISH, confocal microscopy, and RT-qPCR.
- Assessed biofilm community shifts and function via 16S rRNA sequencing and meta-transcriptomics.
Main Results:
- Ssk12 demonstrated transient colonization, detectable for up to 7 days, diminishing by day 10.
- Observed short-term increases in Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations post-administration.
- Functional analysis revealed enhanced transcriptional signatures for oxidative stress resistance and metabolic adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Even short-term colonization by Ssk12 can induce significant functional changes in oral biofilms.
- The transient nature of Ssk12 colonization highlights the need for strategies to improve its persistence.
- Further research is needed to optimize probiotic strategies for sustained oral health benefits.
