Biofilms, the customized microniche

Costerton, J. W.; Lewandowski, Zbigniew; Beer, Dirk de; Caldwell, Douglas E.; Korber, Darren R.; James, Garth A.

doi:10.1128/jb.176.8.2137-2142.1994

Cited by 858 publications

(510 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Such observations differ drastically to the swathes of biofilm growth (up to several cm 2 ) observed using in vitro methods [49]. It is thought that size limits placed on in vivo biofilms are the result of limiting factors, once thought to be nutrient based, but evidence points to oxygen depletion in the local environment [93]. In addition, biofilm "shape", or more accurately the 3D structure, is different under in vitro conditions, with the characteristic mushroom structures of P. aeruginosa biofilm formation, yet to be observed in vivo.…”

Section: In Vivo Investigation Of Biofilmsmentioning

confidence: 79%

The Limitations of In Vitro Experimentation in Understanding Biofilms and Chronic Infection

Roberts

Kragh

Bjarnsholt

et al. 2015

Journal of Molecular Biology

173

153

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We have become increasingly aware that during infection, pathogenic bacteria often grow in multicellular biofilms which are often highly resistant to antibacterial strategies. In order to understand how biofilms form and contribute to infection, in vitro biofilm systems such as microtitre plate assays and flow cells, have been heavily used by many research groups around the world. Whilst these methods have greatly increased our understanding of the biology of biofilms, it is becoming increasingly apparent that many of our in vitro methods do not accurately represent in vivo conditions. Here we present a systematic review of the most widely used in vitro biofilm systems, and we discuss why they are not always representative of the in vivo biofilms found in chronic infections. We present examples of methods that will help us to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo biofilm work, so that our bench-side data can ultimately be used to improve bedside treatment.

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Section: In Vivo Investigation Of Biofilmsmentioning

confidence: 79%

The Limitations of In Vitro Experimentation in Understanding Biofilms and Chronic Infection

Roberts

Kragh

Bjarnsholt

et al. 2015

Journal of Molecular Biology

173

153

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Here and throughout the paper, spatial structure refers to all surface-associated dynamics and the resultant spatial heterogeneities in the population (but not the environment). Given that the majority of bacterial populations are spatially structured (Costerton et al, 1994), we need to take into account the architecture of microbial communities when studying the kinetics of gene flow and plasmid invasion.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial structure and nutrients promote invasion of IncP-1 plasmids in bacterial populations

et al. 2008

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In spite of the importance of plasmids in bacterial adaptation, we have a poor understanding of their dynamics. It is not known if or how plasmids persist in and spread through (invade) a bacterial population when there is no selection for plasmid-encoded traits. Moreover, the differences in dynamics between spatially structured and mixed populations are poorly understood. Through a joint experimental/theoretical approach, we tested the hypothesis that self-transmissible IncP-1 plasmids can invade a bacterial population in the absence of selection when initially very rare, but only in spatially structured habitats and when nutrients are regularly replenished. Using protocols that differed in the degree of spatial structure and nutrient levels, the invasiveness of plasmid pB10 in Escherichia coli was monitored during at least 15 days, with an initial fraction of plasmid-bearing (p þ ) cells as low as 10 À7 . To further explore the mechanisms underlying plasmid dynamics, we developed a spatially explicit mathematical model. When cells were grown on filters and transferred to fresh medium daily, the p þ fraction increased to 13%, whereas almost complete invasion occurred when the population structure was disturbed daily. The plasmid was unable to invade in liquid. When carbon source levels were lower or not replenished, plasmid invasion was hampered.Simulations of the mathematical model closely matched the experimental results and produced estimates of the effects of alternative experimental parameters. This allowed us to isolate the likely mechanisms most responsible for the observations. In conclusion, spatial structure and nutrient availability can be key determinants in the invasiveness of plasmids.

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“…Costerton et al, 1994;Hope et al, 2002). Microcolonies interspersed with water channels were visible (Fig.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Susceptibility of microcosm subgingival dental plaques to lethal photosensitization

2007

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A B S T R A C TPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) offers potential as a non-invasive treatment of periodontal disease. In this study, microcosm biofilms were grown in vitro under conditions designed to mimic subgingival plaques typically found in patients with periodontitis. To investigate potential PDT modalities, biofilms were exposed to light from a helium/neon laser in conjunction with a photosensitizer, toluidine blue O (TBO), at varying output and concentration, respectively. To determine cytotoxic effects, viability profiling was undertaken on whole biofilms using standard plating methods, and on horizontal cross-sections of biofilms using confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) in conjunction with a differential viability stain. A light energy dose of 94.5 J in combination with 81.7 µM TBO was found to be optimal, achieving significant kills of over 97%. CLSM enabled visualization of the effects of PDT in three dimensions. Viability profiling of the CLSM images revealed that lethal photosensitization was most effective in the upper layers of biofilm. PDT was found to reduce the viability of subgingivally modelled plaques in vitro by a magnitude similar to that of chlorhexidine digluconate, which is commonly used to treat periodontal disease. The findings of this study indicate that PDT may be an effective alternative to conventional modalities in the treatment of periodontal disease.

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Biofilms, the customized microniche

Cited by 858 publications

References 24 publications

The Limitations of In Vitro Experimentation in Understanding Biofilms and Chronic Infection

The Limitations of In Vitro Experimentation in Understanding Biofilms and Chronic Infection

Spatial structure and nutrients promote invasion of IncP-1 plasmids in bacterial populations

Susceptibility of microcosm subgingival dental plaques to lethal photosensitization

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