Formation of Streptococcus mutans EK2,8184 and TK18 Biofilms

Objective: To investigate the role of glycocalyx(glycoproteins or exopolysaccharides-protein) and bound moisture in formation of Streptococcus mutans EK2,8184 and TK18 Biofilms. Methods: Streptococcus mutans EK2,8184 and TK18 were restituted, identified and incubated anaerobically in Trypticase soy broth (TSB) supplemented with 2g/L sucrose in a incubator at 37°C for 18 hours. Biofilms were collected from plate, -20°freezed for one night, thawed. Biofilm fluid were collected after centrifuged. Total protein concentration was detected with Lowry method Cexopolysaccharide was measured by the phenol-sulphate method. The state of moisture in biofilms was analysised by oven drying. Results: The percentage of free and bound moisture in biofilm to S. mutans EK2 and TK18 were 90.94% and 1.09% vs 91.67% and 0.23%. The corresponding percentage in biofilm fluid values were 93.50% and 0.46% vs 93.17% and 0.25% accordingly. The ratio of protein to exopolysaccharide in the biofilms to S. mutans EK2, 8184 and TK18 were 0.019,0.017 and 0.019. The corresponding ratio in the biofilms fluid values were 0.08,0.09 and 0.03 accordingly. Conclusions: The glycocalyx may be form various types framework of structures within a biofilm. The bound water molecules were accumulated around the glycocalyx but not polysaccharide, taking the important role of biofilm formation.