A 3D‐Printed Customizable Platform for Multiplex Dynamic Biofilm Studies

Abstract

Biofilms are communities of microbes that colonize surfaces. While several biofilm experimental models exist, they often have limited replications of spatiotemporal dynamics surrounding biofilms. For a better understanding dynamic and complex biofilm development, this manuscript presents a customizable platform compatible with off‐the‐shelf well plates that can monitor microbial adhesion, growth, and associated parameters under various relevant scenarios by taking advantage of 3D printing. The system i) holds any substrate in a stable, vertical position, ii) subjects samples to flow at different angles, iii) switches between static and dynamic modes during an experiment, and iv) allows multiplexing and real‐time monitoring of biofilm parameters. Simulated fluid dynamics is employed to estimate flow patterns around discs and shear stresses at disc surfaces. A 3D printed peristaltic pump and a customized pH measurement system for real‐time tracking of spent biofilm culture media are equipped with a graphical user interface that grants control over all experimental parameters. The system is tested under static and dynamic conditions with Streptococcus mutans using different carbon sources. By monitoring the effluent pH and characterizing biochemical, microbiological, and morphological properties of cultured biofilms, distinct properties are demonstrated. This novel platform liberates designing experimental strategies for investigations of biofilms under various conditions.

Addition of cariogenic pathogens to complex oral microflora drives significant changes in biofilm compositions and functionalities

“…Finally, we employed a static model under aerobic conditions. It is likely that a dynamic system mimicking salivary flow [ 98 ], under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, will better represent the physiological characteristics found in the oral cavity.…”

Drug-loaded adhesive microparticles for biofilm prevention on oral surfaces

“…To mimic dental enamel surface, hydroxyapatite discs (surface area, 2.7 AE 0.2 cm 2 ; Clarkson Chromatography Products, Inc., South Williamsport, PA), coated with filter-sterilized, clarified whole saliva, were vertically arranged in a 24-well plate using a custom-built disc holder. 23 The synthesized drug-loaded or non-drug-loaded dendritic microparticles were subjected to a washing process involving three rounds of centrifugation at 800g for 10 min each, using sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for purification. After centrifugation, the settled microparticles were resuspended in 1 mL of PBS.…”