Combined NMR/Optical Microscopy for Oral Biofilm Physiology Studies
EMSL Project ID
16091
Abstract
Dental caries disease is one of the most prevalent and costly bacterial infections in humans. Caries and associated tooth decay are strongly correlated with a pH decrease induced by oral biofilms (oral bacterial films, i.e. dental plaques). Detailed knowledge is lacking about the organic acid distributions responsible for this pH decrease, and the metabolic processes involved. This is due in part to: [i] the complexity of biofilms, which contain temporally evolving spatial concentration gradients for substrate, oxygen, organic acids, etc., and [ii] the inadequacy of current microbiological-metabolism methods which are destructive and typically yield no spatial resolution. The objectives of this two-year R21 project are to adapt, improve and apply unique combined nuclear magnetic resonance and fluorescent confocal (NMR/optical) microscopy instrumentation and techniques for time- and biofilm-depth-resolved metabolism studies of live, cariogenic oral biofilms. Specific Aims are to: 1) adapt and improve combined NMR/optical microscopy to study oral biofilm physiology, and
2) employ the new capability to monitor dynamic processes relevant to caries in real time.
This project is the first step toward future studies employing natural (multiple species) oral biofilms. Future oral-biofilm studies enabled by this capability include: 1) the effects of dietary intake upon cariogenic activity, 2) the prophylactic effects of fluoride, and 3) the metabolic effects of different treatment agents such as chlorohexidine gluconate and triclosan. Finally, the capability might be applicable to other biofilm-related human diseases such as ear, lung or prosthesis infections. This research supports NIDCR's Strategic Plan (Goal 1) to "Advance the understanding of the normal and abnormal processes underlying oral, dental and craniofacial diseases and disorders through the development and application of new technology and research tools."
Project Details
Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2005-12-19
End Date
2007-05-21
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members