In vitro plaque formation model to unravel biofilm formation dynamics on implant abutment surfaces.

Background: Biofilm formation on implant-abutment surfaces can cause inflammatory reactions. Ethical concerns often limit intraoral testing, necessitating preliminary in vitro or animal studies. Here, we propose an in vitro model using human saliva and hypothesize that this model has the potential to closely mimic the dynamics of biofilm formation on implant-abutment material surfaces in vivo.

Methods: A saliva stock was mixed with modified Brain-Heart-Infusion medium to form biofilms on Titanium-Aluminum-Vanadium (Ti6Al4V) and Yttria-partially Stabilized Zirconia (Y-TZP) discs in 24-well plates. Biofilm analyses included crystal violet staining, intact cell quantification with BactoBox, 16S rRNA gene analysis, and short-chain fatty acids measurement. As a control, discs were worn in maxillary splints by four subjects for four days to induce in vivo biofilm formation.

Results: After four days, biofilms fully covered Ti6Al4V and Y-TZP discs both in vivo and in vitro, with similar cell viability. There was a 60.31% overlap of genera between in vitro and in vivo biofilms in the early stages, and 41% in the late stages. Ten key oral bacteria, including Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Veillonella, and Porphyromonas, were still detectable in vitro, representing the common stages of oral biofilm formation.

Conclusion: This in vitro model effectively simulates oral conditions and provides valuable insights into biofilm dynamics.