Relevance of Biofilm Models in Periodontal Research: From Static to Dynamic Systems

Sánchez, María Carmen; Alonso Español, Andrea; Ribeiro Vidal, Honorato José; Alonso Álvarez, Bettina María; Herrera González, David; Sanz Alonso, Mariano

Relevance of Biofilm Models in Periodontal Research: From Static to Dynamic Systems

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microorganisms-09-00428-v2.pdf (5.69 MB)

Official URL

https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020428

Publication date

2021

Authors

Sánchez, María Carmen

Alonso Español, Andrea

Ribeiro Vidal, Honorato José

Alonso Álvarez, Bettina María

Herrera González, David

Sanz Alonso, Mariano

Publisher

MDPI

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URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/7366

Abstract

Microbial biofilm modeling has improved in sophistication and scope, although only a limited number of standardized protocols are available. This review presents an example of a biofilm model, along with its evolution and application in studying periodontal and peri-implant diseases. In 2011, the ETEP (Etiology and Therapy of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases) research group at the University Complutense of Madrid developed an in vitro biofilm static model using representative bacteria from the subgingival microbiota, demonstrating a pattern of bacterial colonization and maturation similar to in vivo subgingival biofilms. When the model and its methodology were standardized, the ETEP research group employed the validated in vitro biofilm model for testing in different applications. The evolution of this model is described in this manuscript, from the mere observation of biofilm growth and maturation on static models on hydroxyapatite or titanium discs, to the evaluation of the impact of dental implant surface composition and micro-structure using the dynamic biofilm model. This evolution was based on reproducing the ideal microenvironmental conditions for bacterial growth within a bioreactor and reaching the target surfaces using the fluid dynamics mimicking the salivary flow. The development of this relevant biofilm model has become a powerful tool to study the essential processes that regulate the formation and maturation of these important microbial communities, as well as their behavior when exposed to different antimicrobial compounds.

Description

This research was part of the activities of Dentaid Extraordinary Chair in Periodontal Research (Cátedra Extraordinaria Dentaid en Investigación Periodontal, University Complutense of Madrid, Spain).