Abstract

Enterococcus faecalis is the most important agent of persistent apical periodontitis, and recently, Candida albicans has also been implicated in periapical infections. This study aimed to optimize an in vitro E. faecalis and C. albicans dual-species biofilm protocol for endodontic research. Different physicochemical conditions for biofilm formation were tested. Susceptibility assays to antimicrobials, biochemical composition and an ultra-morphological structure analyses were performed. Reproducible dual-species biofilms were established in BHI medium at 35 °C, for 48 h and in a microaerophilic atmosphere. An increase in biomass and chitin content was detected after vancomycin treatment. Structural analysis revealed that the dual-species biofilm was formed by both microorganisms adhered to the substrate. The proposed protocol could be useful for the study of interkingdom relationships and help to find new strategies against periapical infections.

摘要

粪肠球菌是持续性根尖周炎最重要的病原体，最近，白色念珠菌也与根尖周感染有关。本研究旨在优化体外粪肠球菌和白色念珠菌用于牙髓研究的双物种生物膜方案。测试了生物膜形成的不同物理化学条件。进行了对抗菌剂的敏感性测定、生化成分和超形态结构分析。在 BHI 培养基中于 35°C、48 小时和微需氧气氛中建立可重复的双物种生物膜。在万古霉素处理后检测到生物量和几丁质含量的增加。结构分析表明，双物种生物膜是由两种微生物粘附在基质上形成的。拟议的协议可能有助于研究跨界关系，并有助于找到对抗根尖周感染的新策略。