Oral Microorganisms and Biofilm

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Biofilm".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 March 2025 | Viewed by 4525

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Dental Hygiene, Gachon University College of Medical Science, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
Interests: clinical outcomes; comprehensive care in oral health; geriatric considerations in dental hygiene; gerodontology; preventive strategies in oral health; remineralization and demineralization of early caries; technological advancements in dentistry
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited to introduce the Special Issue “Oral Microorganisms and Biofilms”. This is dedicated to unraveling the complex interplay between oral microorganisms and biofilms, as well as their pivotal role in oral health and disease. Our focus extends to the antimicrobial effects on oral biofilms, the intricate processes of remineralization and demineralization in early caries, and the advancement of oral healthcare strategies aimed at preventing oral diseases. We invite researchers and clinicians to contribute their latest findings and insights, fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue that bridges the gap between basic science and clinical practice. This Special Issue aims to shed light on innovative research and emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionize our understanding and management of oral biofilms and their impact on oral health.

Dr. Hee-Eun Kim
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • antimicrobial effect
  • demineralization
  • dental caries
  • dental plaque
  • oral biofilm
  • oral disease
  • oral management
  • pathogenicity
  • prevention
  • remineralization

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3026 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial Effects of Black Cumin Seed Oil on Oral Microcosm Biofilms
by Ahyun Jo and Hee-Eun Kim
Microorganisms 2024, 12(10), 2098; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12102098 - 20 Oct 2024
Viewed by 856
Abstract
Interest in natural extracts for managing oral biofilms is increasing, with black cumin seed oil (BCSO) demonstrating efficacy against Streptococcus mutans. The effectiveness of antibacterial agents should be evaluated using multi-species oral biofilm models that closely mimic actual conditions. This study aimed [...] Read more.
Interest in natural extracts for managing oral biofilms is increasing, with black cumin seed oil (BCSO) demonstrating efficacy against Streptococcus mutans. The effectiveness of antibacterial agents should be evaluated using multi-species oral biofilm models that closely mimic actual conditions. This study aimed to compare the antibacterial effects of BCSO and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) on oral microcosm biofilms. Biofilms using human saliva as the inoculum were cultured for 2 days and subsequently treated with 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 0.5% BCSO, or 0.12% CHX once daily for 6 days. Following treatment, the red fluorescence intensity (RatioR/G) of the oral biofilm; biomass, including extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) levels and live bacteria counts; and colony-forming units (CFUs) of aciduric bacteria were evaluated. RatioR/G after BCSO treatment (1.26 ± 0.03) was not significantly different from that after CHX treatment (p = 0.552). The EPS levels were also not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.743). The live bacteria count was 0.55 times lower in the BCSO-treated group than in the CHX-treated group (p = 0.018). No significant between-group difference was observed in the CFUs of aciduric bacteria (p = 0.935). These results suggest that BCSO exhibits antibacterial effects similar to those of CHX, highlighting its potential as an effective alternative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Microorganisms and Biofilm)
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13 pages, 1617 KiB  
Article
Changes in Periodontal Parameters and Microbiome Composition of Periodontal Pocket in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Diseases Receiving Targeted Anti-Cytokine Therapy
by Juliane Wagner, Luisa Haker, Louisa Mewes, Corinna Bang, Malte Rühlemann, Hendrik Naujokat, Johannes Heinrich Spille, Wolfgang Lieb, Andre Franke, Stefan Schreiber, Matthias Laudes, Christof Dörfer, Jörg Wiltfang, Christian Graetz and Dominik Maria Schulte
Microorganisms 2024, 12(10), 1934; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12101934 - 24 Sep 2024
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Abstract
Periodontitis is associated with systemic chronic inflammatory diseases. There is limited evidence on the influence of anti-cytokine therapies on the periodontal condition and microbiome in the tooth pocket of such patients, so the aim of this study was to elucidate this issue. In [...] Read more.
Periodontitis is associated with systemic chronic inflammatory diseases. There is limited evidence on the influence of anti-cytokine therapies on the periodontal condition and microbiome in the tooth pocket of such patients, so the aim of this study was to elucidate this issue. In this observational trial, the periodontal status and the gingival crevicular fluid of 13 patients with different chronic inflammatory diseases were obtained before the initiation of anti-cytokine treatment and 14 weeks after. Gingival crevicular fluid was collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing from a clinically healthy tooth and the deepest measured pocket. The Shannon Diversity Index significantly increased in the deepest pockets of patients (p = 0.039). The data showed alterations in the diversity of the subgingival microbiome over the course of the study, implying a shift towards a healthier condition after starting anti-cytokine therapy. Additional investigations are needed to analyze whether the administration of selective biologicals can improve periodontal conditions in patients with or without chronic inflammatory diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Microorganisms and Biofilm)
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33 pages, 36241 KiB  
Article
Microbiological and Imaging-Based Evaluations of Photodynamic Therapy Combined with Er:YAG Laser Therapy in the In Vitro Decontamination of Titanium and Zirconia Surfaces
by Ioana-Roxana Munteanu, Ruxandra-Elena Luca, Elena Hogea, Ralph-Alexandru Erdelyi, Virgil-Florin Duma, Liviu Marsavina, Amelia-Larisa Globasu, George-Dumitru Constantin and Darinca Carmen Todea
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071345 - 30 Jun 2024
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Abstract
The oral cavity’s soft and hard tissues create a conducive environment for microbial proliferation and biofilm development, facilitating the colonization of prosthodontic and implant materials such as titanium (Ti) and zirconia (Zr). This study aimed to compare the efficacy of conventional decontamination methodologies [...] Read more.
The oral cavity’s soft and hard tissues create a conducive environment for microbial proliferation and biofilm development, facilitating the colonization of prosthodontic and implant materials such as titanium (Ti) and zirconia (Zr). This study aimed to compare the efficacy of conventional decontamination methodologies (i.e., chemical and mechanical, using 0.12% digluconate chlorhexidine (CHX) solution-treatment and airflow) to adjunctive laser-based interventions on Ti and Zr substrates inoculated with Staphylococcus (S.) aureus ATCC 25923. Additionally, this investigation sought to elucidate the impact of these treatments on temperature variations and surface integrity, analyzing the laser irradiation effects on these prevalent dental materials. Experimental configurations were delineated for both Ti and Zr samples across four groups: (1) a conventional treatment group (CV); (2) a photodynamic therapy group (PDT); (3) an Er:YAG laser treatment group (Er); (4) a combined PDT and Er:YAG treatment group (PDTEr). Also, a negative control group (C) that received no treatment was considered. The decontamination of the inoculated disc samples was evaluated by quantifying the microbial colonies in colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). Temperature variations on the surface of the samples were determined during laser treatments. Surface modifications were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). For statistical analysis, Fisher 95% confidence intervals, Hsu’s MCB method, and the Kruskal–Wallis test were applied. With regard to the 105 CFU/mL of the negative control group, results indicated average values equal for each study group to (1) 2.66 CFU/mL for Ti and 2 CFU/mL for Zr for the CV group; (2) 0.33 CFU/mL for Ti and 1 CFU/mL for Zr for the PDT group; (3) 1.25 CFU/mL for Ti and 0 CFU/mL for Zr for the Er group; (4), and 0 CFU/mL for both Ti and Zr for the PDTEr group. Therefore, the combined PDT and Er:YAG treatment (PDTEr) and the singular PDT modality outperformed conventional decontamination methods in eradicating S. aureus biofilms from both Ti and Zr surfaces. Notably, the PDTEr regime achieved a comprehensive elimination of microbial colonies on treated substrates. Surface examination employing OCT demonstrated discernible alterations in the surface morphology of samples subjected to Er:YAG and combined PDT and Er:YAG treatments. Temperature checks during treatments showed no major changes, suggesting the applied laser methods are safe. In conclusion, PDTEr and PDT eliminated bacteria more effectively, but Zr surfaces were more resilient, making them better for microbe-controlling applications. Also, the study demonstrated that the (less costly but lower resolution) OCT method can replace SEM for such investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Microorganisms and Biofilm)
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Review

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14 pages, 283 KiB  
Review
Biofilm Production and Its Implications in Pediatrics
by Nicola Principi and Susanna Esposito
Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081522 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1231
Abstract
Biofilms, aggregates of bacteria enclosed in a self-produced matrix, have been implicated in various pediatric respiratory infections, including acute otitis media (AOM), otitis media with effusion (OME), adenoiditis, protracted bacterial bronchitis, and pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis. These infections are prevalent in children [...] Read more.
Biofilms, aggregates of bacteria enclosed in a self-produced matrix, have been implicated in various pediatric respiratory infections, including acute otitis media (AOM), otitis media with effusion (OME), adenoiditis, protracted bacterial bronchitis, and pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis. These infections are prevalent in children and often associated with biofilm-producing pathogens, leading to recurrent and chronic conditions. Biofilms reduce antibiotic efficacy, contributing to treatment failure and disease persistence. This narrative review discusses biofilm production by respiratory pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. It examines their mechanisms of biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and the challenges they present in clinical treatment. Various antibiofilm strategies have shown promise in vitro and in animal studies, including the use of N-acetylcysteine, enzymes like dispersin B, and agents disrupting quorum sensing and biofilm matrix components. However, their clinical application, particularly in children, remains limited. Traditional treatments for biofilm-associated diseases have not significantly evolved, even with biofilm detection. The transition from experimental findings to clinical practice is complex and requires robust clinical trials and standardized biofilm detection protocols. Addressing biofilms in pediatric respiratory infections is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and managing recurrent and chronic diseases effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Microorganisms and Biofilm)
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