The Challenge of Treating Oral Infections Caused by Biofilms
In natural
systems, the harsh environments, nutrient/respiration needs, and sheer flow,
make a community lifestyle preferable or inevitable for microorganisms.
Furthermore, the bacteria take advantage of the communities′ organization to
protect them from eradication by conventional antimicrobial therapy. A biofilm
community is a microorganism aggregate characterized by cells that are attached
to a substratum or interface or to each other; are embedded in a matrix of
extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that they have produced; and exhibitan altered phenotype with respect to growth rate and gene transcription.
The
oral cavity is an example of a challenging environment for the long-term
persistence of bacteria and fungi. Fluctuations in nutrient supply,
temperature, pH, and the shear force of saliva flow have selected for a biofilm
community adapted to high cell density, species diversity, and dynamic growth
conditions. The microorganism production of EPS matrix is also very important
for their interaction with the environment. Read more................
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