The role of divalent ions in cariogenic biofilm formation
- 1University of Basel, University Center for Dental Medicine (UZB), Department Research, Switzerland (m.astasov-frauenhoffer@unibas.ch)
- 2University of Basel, University Center for Dental Medicine (UZB), Department for Oral Health & Medicine, Switzerland
- 3University of Basel, c/o Department of Biomedical Engineering (DBE), Center of Biomechanics and Biocalorimetry, Switzerland
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of calcium, magnesium, and zinc on cariogenic biofilm formation and their interaction with bacterial EPS. This was evaluated using two S. mutans strains and different carbohydrates (glucose, sucrose and fructose).
Different combinations of carbohydrates and ions were investigated for their effect on the biofilm formation on hydroxyapatite disks by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Moreover, exopolysaccharides were purified and their affinity to the ions was measured by isothermal titration calorimetry.
The biofilm formation of S. mutans clinical isolate was almost eliminated in the presence of Zn2+ and promoted by Ca2+, while adhesion seems to be more inhibited by Ca2+ and Mg2+ for S. mutans type strain. The EPS of cilincal isolate had a higher binding affinity towards calcium and magnesium than the type strain.
There seems to be a fine balance between these ions that needs to be maintained as excessive concentrations of one or another destroy the balance between the three.
How to cite: Astasov-Frauenhoffer, M., Steiger, E., Muelli, J., Braissant, O., and Waltimo, T.: The role of divalent ions in cariogenic biofilm formation, biofilms 9 conference, Karlsruhe, Germany, 29 September–1 Oct 2020, biofilms9-70, https://doi.org/10.5194/biofilms9-70, 2020
