Biofilm formation capability of Enterococcus faecalis cells at starvation phase

Enterococcus faecalis is a predominant organism that plays a major role in the etiology of refractory apical periodontitis. The physiological state of the cells in the root canal is probably closest to the starvation state. However, the biofilm formation capability of starved E. faecalis cells on human dentin remains poorly understood. Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the biofilm formation capability of Enterococcus faecalis cells in starvation phase on human dentin. Methods: Enterococcus faecalis ATCC29212 in different growth phases were incubated on human dentin and polystyrene blocks for 6h,24h,48h,72h,96h or 168h. Bacterial viability was determined by plate count method. Results: The results showed that Enterococcus faecalis exponential growing cells formed biofilm with higher efficiency as compared to stationary cells. Starved cells showed the lowest biofilm formation capability (P<0.05). Biofilm grown on dentin harbored more cells than polystyrene (P<0.05).Conclusion: Enterococcus faecalis cells in starvation phase could develop biofilm on human dentin with reduced efficiency as compared to growing and stationary cells.