Controlling oral biofilms trough modulation of the commensal microbiota. An alternative for antimicrobials?

Dental plaque is a bacterial biofilm which can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis. Not all bacteria in dental plaque contribute to these diseases. They will only develop when specific pathogens become numerically dominant. Additionally, these pathogens are becoming more and more resistant towards antibiotics and antiseptics. Therefore, alternative treatments or preventive options should be explored. The outgrowth of pathogens during disease development is mirrored by a proportional reduction in certain commensal bacteria. Although the mechanisms behind these changes are still unknown, H2O2 production seems to be of importance. Additionally, we have shown that certain substrates (prebiotics) can modify biofilm composition by stimulating commensal bacteria. Therefore this project aims at: (1) Finding substrates that can be used by bacteria to increase H2O2 production, (2) Evaluate the effect of these substrates and of metabolic stimulation of beneficial commensal bacteria via prebiotics on biofilm composition, (3) virulence gene expression within biofilms and (4) inflammatory potential of modified biofilms. These aspects will be evaluated in 3 different clinically relevant biofilm models.

Keywords:oral biofilms

Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences