Dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans exhibit more biomass and are mutually beneficial compared with single-species biofilms.

ABSTRACT: Background: Streptococcus mutans (Sm) and Candida albicans (Ca) are found in biofilms of early childhood caries. Objective: To characterize in vitro dual- and single-species biofilms of Sm and Ca formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs in the presence of sucrose. Design: Evaluation of biofilms included biochemical [biomass, proteins, matrix's water-soluble (WSP) and alkali-soluble (ASP) polysaccharides, microbiological, 3D structure, gene expression, and stress tolerance analyses. Results: Biomass and proteins were higher for dual-species and lower for Ca (p = 0.001). Comparison of Sm single- and dual-species biofilms revealed no significant difference in Sm numbers or quantity of WSP (p

SUBMITTER: Lobo CIV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6807867 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature