An<i>in vitro</i>model of<i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i>and<i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i>in single- and dual-species biofilms

Abstract

PURPOSE: pathogenic biofilm attached onto saliva-coated surfaces. METHODS: strains were grown under anaerobic conditions as single species and in dual-species cultures. Initially, the bacterial biomass was evaluated at 24 and 48 hours to determine the optimal timing for the adhesion phase onto saliva-coated polystyrene surfaces. Thereafter, biofilm development was assessed over time by crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: biofilm was higher at 3 days, no difference was found at 3, 5, or 7 days of incubation. CONCLUSIONS: Polystyrene substrates from well plates work as a standard surface and provide reproducible results for in vitro biofilm models. Our biofilm model could serve as a reference point for studies investigating biofilms on different surfaces.