The FT-IR and Raman Spectroscopies as Tools for Biofilm Characterization Created by Cariogenic Streptococci.

Barbara Gieroba,Adrian Wiater,Michał Tomczyk,Anna Sroka-Bartnicka,Mikolaj Krysa,Kinga Wojtowicz,Małgorzata Pleszczyńska

doi:10.3390/ijms21113811

Abstract

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy and mapping were applied to the analysis of biofilms produced by bacteria of the genus Streptococcus. Bacterial biofilm, also called dental plaque, is the main cause of periodontal disease and tooth decay. It consists of a complex microbial community embedded in an extracellular matrix composed of highly hydrated extracellular polymeric substances and is a combination of salivary and bacterial proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and inorganic ions. This study confirms the value of Raman and FT-IR spectroscopies in biology, medicine, and pharmacy as effective tools for bacterial product characterization.

Highlights

Dental caries is an infectious disease associated with the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the tooth surface [1]
The biofilm formed on the tooth surface, consists of a complex microbial community embedded in a bacterial and salivary-origin matrix of highly hydrated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS, more than 90% of biofilm dry weight)
It has been found that simultaneous synthesis of glucans by GtfB and GtfC is essential for formation of high-density biofilm with high adhesion, which promotes their binding to an apatite surface [7]

Summary

Introduction

Dental caries is an infectious disease associated with the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the tooth surface [1]. S. sobrinus strains extracellularly produce at least four kinds of Gtfs: (1→3)-α-d-glucan synthase (GtfI) and (1→6)-α-d-glucan synthase (GtfU), (1→6)-α-d-glucan synthase (GtfT), and an oligo-isomaltosaccharide synthase (GtfS) [8] Glucosyltransferases and their polysaccharide products have been shown to be fundamental virulence factors in the pathogenesis of dental caries because they are responsible for close adhesion to the tooth surface in the presence of sucrose. S. mutans produces at least four Gbps: GbpA, GbpB, GbpC, and GbpD The importance of these proteins is to maintain biofilm architecture by linking bacteria and extracellular molecules of glucan [9]. Another factor that is associated with the virulence of S. mutans is the cell surface protein antigen c (PAc). PAc participates in sucrose-independent bacterial adherence to the tooth surface via interaction with the salivary pellicle [7]

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Discussion

Conclusion