Sumin Kim
Research Mentor: Alexander Rickard
Mentor Department: Epidemiology, Public Health
Author(s): Sumin Kim, Christopher Qu, Alexander Rickard
Session: Session 7 (4:00 PM – 4:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 138
Abstract
Dental caries has been linked to the acid-generating and biofilm forming ability of Streptococcus mutans. Sucrose is known to promote S. mutans biofilm formation through enhancing the production of certain extracellular polymeric substances and studies using laboratory glass-bottom microplates have been used to explore biofilm architecture. Unfortunately, glass-bottom 24-well microplate models are expensive and cross-well contamination can occur. Therefore, the aim of this work was to design and fabricate a 3D printed cylindrical microreactor, which is a self-contained unit (i.e. equivalent to one 24-well on a microplate), and compare its utility to 24-well microplate models to study S. mutans biofilm development. Methods: S. mutans biofilms were developed in a previously established 24 well glass-bottom microplate model and in the newly constructed biofilm cylinder model containing BHI (Brain Heart Infusion) or BHI supplemented with sucrose (0.5% w/v) broths. Biofilms were imaged on a Leica SPE confocal microscope. Results: Based upon fluorescent imaging, initial studies indicated that similar biofilm architectures develop in both model systems. In both systems the availability of sucrose caused the clumping of biofilms to form microcolonies. Conclusions: Evidence indicates that 3D printed cylinders allow for the development of S. mutans biofilms that are architecturally similar to those a form in 24-well microplates. Further experiments growing S. mutans under different conditions in the cylinder microplate system is warranted. Significance and Impact: The use of a 3D printed cylinder microplate system could provide a more cost-effective, customizable, and less contamination-prone alternative to traditional 24-well microplate systems for studying S. mutans biofilm formation.
