Microscopic characterization of bacteria-hard tissue interactions

Abstract

Bacterial interaction with host tissues plays a major role in the cause and persistence of diseases. It has been confirmed by different clinical investigations that Enterococcus faecalls resist root canal treatment and commonly persist in tooth with post treatment infection. The purpose of this study is to apply different microscopic techniques to study the dynamics of the E. faecalis biofilm on root-canal-dentine tissues. Method- Ten intact non-carious human maxillary molars were prepared and incubated with bacterium in nutrient media under anaerobic condition for 16 weeks. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), Fluorescents microscopy Light microscopy and Laser Confocal Scanning Microscopy (LCSM) were carried out to characterize the ultrastructure of biofilm. In addition Fourier Transfer Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Von-Kossa staining and Fluorescent microscopy were also carried out to confirm the biochemical characteristics of the biofilm structure. Result- The mature biofilm formed on the root-canal wall showed a honey-comb like structure with viable cells bacterial cells inside. The EDX and FTIR analysis showed a significant increase in the levels of Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P) and evidence of biomineralization of the matured biofilm. © 2005 SPIE and OSA.