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Rheology of biofilms formed from the dental plaque pathogen Streptococcus mutans

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 May 2004

A. M. Vinogradov
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University–Bozeman, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
M. Winston
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University–Bozeman, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University–Bozeman, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
C. J. Rupp
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University–Bozeman, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University–Bozeman, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
P. Stoodley
Affiliation:
Departments of Microbiology and Civil Engineering, Montana State University–Bozeman, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA

Abstract

Here we describe an experimental study of the mechanical properties of bacterial biofilms formed from the early dental plaque colonizer Streptococcus mutans. The S. mutans biofilms demonstrated the behavior of rheological fluids, with properties similar to those of organic polymers and other biological fluids. The time-dependent response of the biofilms was modeled on the basis of principles of viscoelasticity theory. The static and dynamic responses were defined in terms of the creep compliance, storage and loss moduli, and viscosity. The creep compliance and stress relaxation functions of S. mutans biofilms were characterized using the Burger model. Implications for developing more effective mechanical removal strategies of dental plaque biofilms are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

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