Characterization and Growth Kinetics of a Multispecies Periodontal Biofilm Developed in a Stirred Bioreactor

Abstract

This study aimed to validate an in vitro periodontal biofilm model with complex subgingival microbial communities grown in a stirred bioreactor. Experimental biofilms were characterized and examined for their growth kinetics over time. After incubation under anaerobic conditions for 3 days, biofilm cultures formed on the substrate were collected and analyzed. The specific growth rate in the exponential phase was estimated to be 0.3915 h−1, with no significant differences in growth kinetics and CFU counts between the replicates (P > 0.05). The biofilm architecture was consistent in each time-point, with bacterial cells presenting different morphology and completely colonizing the cementum surface. To conclude, the three-day subgingival biofilm model developed in our study successfully mimicked the growth of complex microbial communities.