# Analysis of Spatial and Biochemical Characteristics of In Vitro Cariogenic Biofilms

## TL;DR

This study examines the structure and chemical makeup of biofilms that cause tooth decay, using advanced imaging and spectroscopy techniques.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the spatial and biochemical characteristics of cariogenic biofilms using FESEM and FTIR.

## Key findings

- FESEM showed rapid growth and aggregation of biofilms within a short time period.
- FTIR analysis revealed chemical components like water, amide I, lipids, and phospholipids in the biofilms.

## Abstract

Background

Dental caries is the most common bacterial disease of calcified tissues of teeth. Cariogenic biofilms formed on the tooth surface secrete organic acids and thus result in demineralization. Delving into the depth of biofilms is crucial to understand the pathogenic mechanisms and design improved therapeutic approaches. The aim of the study is to analyze the spatial and biochemical characteristics of cariogenic biofilms.

Materials and methods

Pulp tissue samples sourced from freshly extracted third molars were incubated with oral cariogenic bacteria namely Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Entamoeba faecalis, and Candida albicans to form the biofilm. Spatial assessment of biofilms was done under FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscope, JSM-IT800, JEOL, Tokyo, Japan). FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Alpha II, Bruker, Germany) spectra were assessed for chemical molecular interactions in 24- and 48-hour time periods.

Results

Morphological assessment with FESEM revealed rapid growth and aggregation within a short time period. FTIR spectra to analyze chemical constituents of biofilm presented with varied peaks of water, amide A, amide I, water, lipids, and phospholipids.

Conclusion

Further validation with more advanced imaging for an extended time period is vital to derive better conclusive evidence.