Rheology of biofilms formed from the dental plaque pathogen Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

Here we describe an experimental study of the mechanical properties of bacterial biofilms formed from the early dental plaque colonizer Streptococcus mutans. The S. mutans biofilms demonstrated the behavior of rheological fluids, with properties similar to those of organic polymers and other biological fluids. The time-dependent response of the biofilms was modeled on the basis of principles of viscoelasticity theory. The static and dynamic responses were defined in terms of the creep compliance, storage and loss moduli, and viscosity. The creep compliance and stress relaxation functions of S. mutans biofilms were characterized using the Burger model. Implications for developing more effective mechanical removal strategies of dental plaque biofilms are discussed.

Exopolysaccharides of the Biofilm Matrix: A Complex Biophysical World

“…The gel state is resistant enough and presents a micro porosity favourable for resistance to flow forces, microcolonies development and cell nutrition inside the biofilm structure. This model of sol-gel transition of polysaccharides inside biofilms is consistent with rheological properties previously demonstrated for other biofilms: Streptococcus mutans biofilms have elasticity and viscous behaviour analogous to NF biofilms for a range of frequencies between 0.1 to 20 Hz [76]. The rheofluidification behaviour and gel-type rheological properties shared by different type of biofilms and purified polysaccharides suggest that the critical components of the biofilm matrix determining the biofilm texture are polysaccharides.…”

Biofilms: Microbial Cities of Scientific Significance

“…Research studies have confirmed the existence of viscoelastic properties among the biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the studies attempts to signify the importance the surface tension of the solid surface. Available scientific data and research reports substantiate the presence of organic polymer properties among the biofilms of Streptococcus mutans on dental plaques [88,89].…”

Wear and Corrosion Interactions on Titanium in Oral Environment: Literature Review

“…The multilayered biomass composed of glycoproteins, water, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides chains acts as viscoelastic material which can support considerable elastic deformation under shear stresses and is able to distribute loads, thereby decreasing the contact pressure at the surface [12,13,[73][74][75]. Also, that viscoelastic biomass can be responsible for the friction on oral surfaces [12].…”