IADR Abstract Archives
Developing a 3D Oral Mucosal Model for Denture Stomatitis Infection.
Objectives: In vitro three-dimensional oral mucosal models are analogous to the native oral mucosa; reproducible, robust, and adaptable, and therefore suitable for a wide range of applications. The disease denture stomatitis (DS) ranges in severity, and is highly prevalent within upper denture wearers. DS has a multifactorial aetiology, which is not fully understood. Although the fungus Candida albicans is known to be involved, the presence of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is clear but its role is uncertain. In order to ascertain the role of S. aureus in DS, a 3D oral mucosal model has been developed to determine the interactions of S. aureus with C. albicans and the mucosa. Laboratory strains of these microorganisms will be compared with clinical samples obtained from patients.
Methods: Three dimensional oral mucosal infection models were created in the laboratory using a collagen matrix embedded with human gingival fibroblasts (HuGF), and overlain with HaCaT keratinocytes. Once mature (19 days) these models were used to study single and dual biofilms of clinically relevant C. albicans and S. aureus, obtained from clinical samples taken from swabs of patient’s hard palate and upper dentures. These were analysed using histology, electron microscopy and biochemical assays.
Results: Reproducible, keratinised, analogous models of the oral mucosa have been achieved, as confirmed by histology and microscopic studies. Immunological staining has revealed specific cytokeratin expression as well as epithelial proliferation. Cytokine production by the epithelial cells provided further evidence of these models as suitable in vitro infection tools and demonstrating these models are appropriate for dual biofilm infection studies.
Conclusions: The 3D models have been developed and exhibited to be suitable for use as oral infection tool; the synergistic effects of dual infection with C. albicans and S. aureus were confirmed.
Methods: Three dimensional oral mucosal infection models were created in the laboratory using a collagen matrix embedded with human gingival fibroblasts (HuGF), and overlain with HaCaT keratinocytes. Once mature (19 days) these models were used to study single and dual biofilms of clinically relevant C. albicans and S. aureus, obtained from clinical samples taken from swabs of patient’s hard palate and upper dentures. These were analysed using histology, electron microscopy and biochemical assays.
Results: Reproducible, keratinised, analogous models of the oral mucosa have been achieved, as confirmed by histology and microscopic studies. Immunological staining has revealed specific cytokeratin expression as well as epithelial proliferation. Cytokine production by the epithelial cells provided further evidence of these models as suitable in vitro infection tools and demonstrating these models are appropriate for dual biofilm infection studies.
Conclusions: The 3D models have been developed and exhibited to be suitable for use as oral infection tool; the synergistic effects of dual infection with C. albicans and S. aureus were confirmed.