scholarly journals Modeling Shifts in Microbial Populations Associated with Health or Disease

2006 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 3678-3684 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Dalwai ◽  
D. A. Spratt ◽  
J. Pratten
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Dental Plaque ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Population Shift

ABSTRACT Stable microbial communities associated with health can be disrupted by altered environmental conditions. Periodontal diseases are associated with changes in the resident oral microflora. For example, as gingivitis develops, a key change in the microbial composition of dental plaque is the ascendancy of Actinomyces spp. and gram-negative rods at the expense of Streptococcus spp. We describe the use of an in vitro model to replicate this population shift, first with a dual-species model (Actinomyces naeslundii and Streptococcus sobrinus) and then using a microcosm model of dental plaque. The population shift was induced by environmental changes associated with gingivitis, first by the addition of artificial gingival crevicular fluid and then by a switch to a microaerophilic atmosphere. In addition to the observed population shifts, confocal laser scanning microscopy also revealed structural changes and differences in the distribution of viable and nonviable bacteria associated with the change in environmental conditions. This model provides an appropriate system for the further understanding of microbial population shifts associated with gingivitis and for the testing of, for example, antimicrobial agents.

scholarly journals Repurposing Napabucasin as an Antimicrobial Agent against Oral Streptococcal Biofilms

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Xinyi Kuang ◽  
Tao Yang ◽  
Chenzi Zhang ◽  
Xian Peng ◽  
Yuan Ju ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Antibacterial Activities ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Oral Streptococci ◽  
Oral Keratinocytes ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Biofilm Inhibition ◽  
Multispecies Biofilms

Objectives. Disruption of microbial biofilms is an effective way to control dental caries. Drug resistance and side effects of the existing antimicrobials necessitate the development of novel antibacterial agents. The current study was aimed at investigating the antibacterial activities of the repurposed natural compound napabucasin against oral streptococci. Methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum biofilm inhibition concentration, and minimum biofilm reduction concentration of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus gordonii, and Streptococcus sanguinis were examined by a microdilution method. Cytotoxicity of napabucasin against human oral keratinocytes, human gingival epithelia, and macrophage RAW264.7 was evaluated by CCK8 assays. The dead/live bacterium and exopolysaccharide in the napabucasin-treated multispecies biofilms were evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Microbial composition within the napabucasin-treated biofilms was further visualized by fluorescent in situ hybridization and qPCR. And the cariogenicity of napabucasin-treated biofilms was evaluated by transverse microradiography. Results. Napabucasin exhibited good antimicrobial activity against oral streptococcal planktonic cultures and biofilms but with lessened cytotoxicity as compared to chlorhexidine. Napabucasin reduced the cariogenic S. mutans and increased the proportion of the commensal S. gordonii in the multispecies biofilms. More importantly, napabucasin significantly reduced the demineralization capability of biofilms on tooth enamels. Conclusion. Napabucasin shows lessened cytotoxicity and comparable antimicrobial effects to chlorhexidine. Repurposing napabucasin may represent a promising adjuvant for the management of dental caries.

Morphological and biochemical changes inPseudomonas fluorescensbiofilms induced by sub-inhibitory exposure to antimicrobial agents

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
James J. Dynes ◽  
John R. Lawrence ◽  
Darren R. Korber ◽  
George D.W. Swerhone ◽  
Gary G. Leppard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Agent ◽  
Pseudomonas Fluorescens ◽  
Benzalkonium Chloride ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Biochemical Changes ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Spectral Signature ◽  
Confocal Laser

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) were used to examine the morphological and biochemical changes in Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms grown in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of 4 antimicrobial agents: triclosan, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, and trisodium phosphate. CLSM analyses using the stains SYTO9 and propidium iodide indicated that the antimicrobial agents affected cell membrane integrity and cellular density to differing degrees. However, fluorescein diacetate assays and plate counts demonstrated that the cells remained metabolically active. Fluorescent lectin binding assays showed that changes in the arrangement and composition of the exopolymer matrix of the biofilms also occurred and that these changes depended on the antimicrobial agent. Detailed single cell analyses using STXM provided evidence that the cell morphology, and the spatial distribution and relative amounts of protein, lipids and polysaccharides in the biofilms and within the cells were different for each antimicrobial. The distribution of chlorhexidine in the biofilm, determined from its distinct spectral signature, was localized mainly inside the bacterial cells. Each antimicrobial agent elicited a unique response; P. fluorescens cells and biofilms changed their morphology and architecture, as well as the distribution and abundance of biomacromolecules, in particular the exopolymer matrix. Pseudomonas fluorescens also exhibited adaptation to benzalkonium chloride at 10 µg/mL. Our observations point to the importance of changes in the quantity and chemistry of the exopolymeric matrix in the response to antimicrobial agents and suggest their importance as targets for control.

scholarly journals Microbial Composition and Structure of Aerobic Granular Sewage Biofilms

2007 ◽  
Vol 73 (19) ◽  
pp. 6233-6240 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. D. Weber ◽  
W. Ludwig ◽  
K.-H. Schleifer ◽  
J. Fried
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Simultaneous Detection ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Granule Formation ◽  
Biofilm Development

ABSTRACT Aerobic activated sludge granules are dense, spherical biofilms which can strongly improve purification efficiency and sludge settling in wastewater treatment processes. In this study, the structure and development of different granule types were analyzed. Biofilm samples originated from lab-scale sequencing batch reactors which were operated with malthouse, brewery, and artificial wastewater. Scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy together with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) allowed insights into the structure of these biofilms. Microscopic observation revealed that granules consist of bacteria, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), protozoa and, in some cases, fungi. The biofilm development, starting from an activated sludge floc up to a mature granule, follows three phases. During phase 1, stalked ciliated protozoa of the subclass Peritrichia, e.g., Epistylis spp., settle on activated sludge flocs and build tree-like colonies. The stalks are subsequently colonized by bacteria. During phase 2, the ciliates become completely overgrown by bacteria and die. Thereby, the cellular remnants of ciliates act like a backbone for granule formation. During phase 3, smooth, compact granules are formed which serve as a new substratum for unstalked ciliate swarmers settling on granule surfaces. These mature granules comprise a dense core zone containing bacterial cells and EPS and a loosely structured fringe zone consisting of either ciliates and bacteria or fungi and bacteria. Since granules can grow to a size of up to several millimeters in diameter, we developed and applied a modified FISH protocol for the study of cryosectioned biofilms. This protocol allows the simultaneous detection of bacteria, ciliates, and fungi in and on granules.

scholarly journals A Novel Hybrid Peptide Composed of LfcinB6 and KR-12-a4 With Enhanced Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Biofilm Activities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelladurai Ajish ◽  
Sungtae Yang ◽  
S. Dinesh Kumar ◽  
Eun Young Kim ◽  
Hye Jung Min ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Hybrid Peptide ◽  
Cell Selectivity ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Hybridizing two known antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is a simple and effective strategy for designing antimicrobial agents with enhanced cell selectivity against bacterial cells. Here, we generated a hybrid peptide Lf-KR in which LfcinB6 and KR-12-a4 were linked with a Pro hinge to obtain a novel AMP with potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm activities. Lf-KR exerted superior cell selectivity for bacterial cells over sheep red blood cells. Lf-KR showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities (MIC: 4–8 mM) against tested 12 bacterial strains and retained its antimicrobial activity in the presence of salts at physiological concentrations. Membrane depolarization and dye leakage assays showed that the enhanced antimicrobial activity of Lf-KR was due to increased permeabilization and depolarization of microbial membranes. Lf-KR significantly inhibited the expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (NO and TNF-a) in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. In addition, Lf-KR showed a powerful eradication effect on preformed multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA) biofilms. We confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy that a large portion of the preformed MDRPA biofilm structure was perturbed by the addition of Lf-KR. Collectively, our results suggest that Lf-KR can be an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm candidate as a pharmaceutical agent.

scholarly journals Suppression of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae biofilm formation by Acacia mangium methanol leaf extract

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. N. Sarah Shafiei ◽  
K. Ahmad ◽  
N. F. M. Ikhsan ◽  
S. I. Ismail ◽  
K. Sijam
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Acacia Mangium ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Xanthomonas Oryzae ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Biofilm Inhibition

Abstract Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), a pathogen responsible for rice bacterial leaf blight, produces biofilm to protect viable Xoo cells from antimicrobial agents. A study was conducted to determine the potency of Acacia mangium methanol (AMMH) leaf extract as a Xoo biofilm inhibitor. Four concentrations (3.13, 6.25, 9.38, and 12.5 mg/mL) of AMMH leaf extract were tested for their ability to inhibit Xoo biofilm formation on a 96-well microtiter plate. The results showed that the negative controls had the highest O.D. values from other treatments, indicating the intense formation of biofilm. This was followed by the positive control (Streptomycin sulfate, 0.2 mg/mL) and AMMH leaf extract at concentration 3.13 mg/mL, which showed no significant differences in their O.D. values (1.96 and 1.57, respectively). All other treatments at concentrations of 6.25, 9.38, and 12.5 mg/mL showed no significant differences in their O.D. values (0.91, 0.79, and 0.53, respectively). For inhibition percentages, treatment with concentration 12.5 mg/mL gave the highest result (81.25%) followed by treatment at concentrations 6.25 and 9.38 mg/mL that showed no significant differences in their inhibition percentage (67.75% and 72.23%, respectively). Concentration 3.13 mg/mL resulted in 44.49% of biofilm inhibition and the positive control resulted in 30.75% of biofilm inhibition. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis of Xoo biofilm inhibition and breakdown showed the presence of non-viable Xoo cells and changes in aggregation size due to increase in AMMH leaf extract concentration. Control slides showed the absence of Xoo dead cells.

scholarly journals Oxidative Imbalance in Candida tropicalis Biofilms and Its Relation With Persister Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
María A. da Silva ◽  
José L. Baronetti ◽  
Paulina L. Páez ◽  
María G. Paraje
Keyword(s):  
Candida Tropicalis ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Antioxidant Systems ◽  
Roughness Coefficient ◽  
Persister Cells

BackgroundPersister cells (PCs) make up a small fraction of microbial population, can survive lethal concentrations of antimicrobial agents. In recent years, Candida tropicalis has emerged as being a frequent fungal agent of medical devices subject to biofilm infections. However, PCs are still poorly understood.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the relation of PCs on the redox status in C. tropicalis biofilms exposed to high doses of Amphotericin B (AmB), and alterations in surface topography and the architecture of biofilms.MethodsWe used an experimental model of two different C. tropicalis biofilms exposed to AmB at supra minimum inhibitory concentration (SMIC80), and the intra- and extracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS and eROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and oxidative stress response were studied. Light microscopy (LM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were also used in conjunction with the image analysis software COMSTAT.ResultsWe demonstrated that biofilms derived from the PC fraction (B2) showed a higher capacity to respond to the stress generated upon AmB treatment, compared with biofilms obtained from planktonic cells. In B2, a lower ROS and RNS accumulation was observed in concordance with higher activation of the antioxidant systems, resulting in an oxidative imbalance of a smaller magnitude compared to B1. LM analysis revealed that the AmB treatment provoked a marked decrease of biomass, showing a loss of cellular aggrupation, with the presence of mostly yeast cells. Moreover, significant structural changes in the biofilm architecture were noted between both biofilms by CLSM—COMSTAT analysis. For B1, the quantitative parameters bio-volume, average micro-colony volume, surface to bio-volume ratio and surface coverage showed reductions upon AmB treatment, whereas increases were observed in roughness coefficient and average diffusion distance. In addition, untreated B2 was substantially smaller than B1, with less biomass and thickness values. The analysis of the above-mentioned parameters also showed changes in B2 upon AmB exposure.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study that has attempted to correlate PCs of Candida biofilms with alterations in the prooxidant-antioxidant balance and the architecture of the biofilms. The finding of regular and PCs with different cellular stress status may help to solve the puzzle of biofilm resistance, with redox imbalance possibly being an important factor.

scholarly journals New Evidences of Antibacterial Effects of Cranberry Against Periodontal Pathogens

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 246 ◽  
Author(s):  
María C. Sánchez ◽  
Honorato Ribeiro-Vidal ◽  
Begoña Bartolomé ◽  
Elena Figuero ◽  
M. Victoria Moreno-Arribas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Periodontal Pathogens ◽  
Bacteria Adhesion

The worrying rise in antibiotic resistances emphasizes the need to seek new approaches for treating and preventing periodontal diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of cranberry in a validated in vitro biofilm model. After chemical characterization of a selected phenolic-rich cranberry extract, its values for minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were calculated for the six bacteria forming the biofilm (Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella parvula, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans). Antibacterial activity of the cranberry extract in the formed biofilm was evaluated by assessing the reduction in bacteria viability, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) combined with propidium monoazide (PMA), and by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and anti-biofilm activity by studying the inhibition of the incorporation of different bacteria species in biofilms formed in the presence of the cranberry extract, using qPCR and CLSM. In planktonic state, bacteria viability was significantly reduced by cranberry (p < 0.05). When growing in biofilms, a significant effect was observed against initial and early colonizers (S. oralis (p ≤ 0.017), A. naeslundii (p = 0.006) and V. parvula (p = 0.010)) after 30 or 60 s of exposure, while no significant effects were detected against periodontal pathogens (F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis or A. actinomycetemcomitans (p > 0.05)). Conversely, cranberry significantly (p < 0.001 in all cases) interfered with the incorporation of five of the six bacteria species during the development of 6 h-biofilms, including P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and F. nucleatum. It was concluded that cranberry had a moderate antibacterial effect against periodontal pathogens in biofilms, but relevant anti-biofilm properties, by affecting bacteria adhesion in the first 6 h of development of biofilms.

Impact of Hydrodynamics on Oral Biofilm Strength

2009 ◽  
Vol 88 (10) ◽  
pp. 922-926 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Paramonova ◽  
O.J. Kalmykowa ◽  
H.C. van der Mei ◽  
H.J. Busscher ◽  
P.K. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Oral Biofilm ◽  
Actinomyces Naeslundii ◽  
Mechanical Removal ◽  
Hydrodynamic Shear ◽  
Oral Biofilms

Mechanical removal of oral biofilms is ubiquitously accepted as the best way to prevent caries and periodontal diseases. Removal effectiveness strongly depends on biofilm strength. To investigate the influence of hydrodynamics on oral biofilm strength, we grew single- and multi-species biofilms of Streptococcus oralis J22, Actinomyces naeslundii TV14-J1, and full dental plaque at shear rates ranging from 0.1 to 50 1/sec and measured their compressive strength. Subsequently, biofilm architecture was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Multi-species biofilms were stronger than single-species biofilms, with strength values ranging from 6 to 51 Pa and from 5 to 17 Pa, respectively. In response to increased hydrodynamic shear, biofilm strength decreased, and architecture changed from uniform carpet-like to more “fluffy” with higher thickness. S. oralis biofilms grown under variable shear of 7 and 50 1/sec possessed properties intermediate of those measured at the respective single shears.

scholarly journals Effect of Cinnamon Oil on icaA Expression and Biofilm Formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis

2009 ◽  
Vol 75 (21) ◽  
pp. 6850-6855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Titik Nuryastuti ◽  
Henny C. van der Mei ◽  
Henk J. Busscher ◽  
Susi Iravati ◽  
Abu T. Aman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Epidermidis ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Minimal Bactericidal Concentration ◽  
Cinnamon Oil ◽  
Broth Microdilution Method

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus epidermidis is notorious for its biofilm formation on medical devices, and novel approaches to prevent and kill S. epidermidis biofilms are desired. In this study, the effect of cinnamon oil on planktonic and biofilm cultures of clinical S. epidermidis isolates was evaluated. Initially, susceptibility to cinnamon oil in planktonic cultures was compared to the commonly used antimicrobial agents chlorhexidine, triclosan, and gentamicin. The MIC of cinnamon oil, defined as the lowest concentration able to inhibit visible microbial growth, and the minimal bactericidal concentration, the lowest concentration required to kill 99.9% of the bacteria, were determined using the broth microdilution method and plating on agar. A checkerboard assay was used to evaluate the possible synergy between cinnamon oil and the other antimicrobial agents. The effect of cinnamon oil on biofilm growth was studied in 96-well plates and with confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM). Biofilm susceptibility was determined using a metabolic 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Real-time PCR analysis was performed to determine the effect of sub-MIC concentrations of cinnamon oil on expression of the biofilm-related gene, icaA. Cinnamon oil showed antimicrobial activity against both planktonic and biofilm cultures of clinical S. epidermidis strains. There was only a small difference between planktonic and biofilm MICs, ranging from 0.5 to 1% and 1 to 2%, respectively. CLSM images indicated that cinnamon oil is able to detach and kill existing biofilms. Thus, cinnamon oil is an effective antimicrobial agent to combat S. epidermidis biofilms.

Comparison of Efficacy of Povidone-Iodine, Ethanol, and an Aerosol Formulation of Silver Sulfadiazine in Controlling Microbial Burden on Sutures From Clean Surgeries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo E Prezzavento ◽  
Carlos R Mas ◽  
Juan Achaval Rodríguez ◽  
Rodrigo N Juárez Calvi ◽  
Laura Piskulic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Povidone Iodine ◽  
Silver Sulfadiazine ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Microbial Cells ◽  
Surgical Suture ◽  
Biofilm Development

Abstract In the surgical suture, the implanted thread can be a source of microbial contamination. Implanted materials are frequently described as being substrates prone for biofilm development provoking surgical site infections. Treatment of postsurgical wounds with different topical antimicrobial agents is a current practice applied to every patient. However, to date, there is little evidence on the efficacy of different antiseptic treatments on suture materials in preventing environmental or skin bacterial adhesion and further infection. Here, the authors compared the ability of an aerosol formulation of silver sulfadiazine, vitamin A, and lidocaine (AF-SSD) and of two of the most frequently used topical treatments, povidone-iodine and ethanol, in eradicating or controlling the microbial contamination of suture threads in patients who have undergone clean surgeries. Postsurgical suture threads treated with AF-SSD showed a significantly reduced proportion of contaminated samples containing viable microbial cells compared with those treated with povidone-iodine or ethanol. Furthermore, those samples that were positive for bacterial growth showed a lesser number of viable cells in AF-SSD-treated sutures than those treated with povidone-iodine or ethanol. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that AF-SSD-treated postsurgical sutures presented significantly less attached microbial cells than povidone-iodine and ethanol, with scarce observable microbial cells on the surface of the suture. Taken together, the results suggest that treatment with AF-SSD is more effective than the other two antiseptics, and there is a potential for improvement in reducing the microbial burden of implanted materials such as the suture thread.

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