Interactions between non- and enhance cariogenic potential of dual-species interkingdom biofilms.

BACKGROUND

Non- species (NACs) are commonly found in carious lesions, yet their specific role in caries progression remains unclear. Hence, we conducted an study to explore how NACs interactions with affect cariogenicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dual-species interkingdom biofilms were developed with and six species, and the NACs: , , , and . Biofilm mass, viable cell counts, and pH were evaluated in mono- and dual-species biofilms. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to assess the expression of genes associated with cariogenicity.

RESULTS

Co-culturing with either , , or significantly increased biofilm mass. While numbers either increased or remained stable in dual-species biofilms, , , and in particular numbers significantly increased. All dual-species biofilms exhibited a pH below the critical demineralization level of enamel, akin to mono-species biofilms. The expression of a battery of cariogenic genes in was upregulated, particularly in dual-species biofilms with and with .

CONCLUSION

NACs influence the biofilm production and the cariogenic gene expression of The dual-species biofilm of and NACs, particularly , likely possess heightened cariogenic potential. Further research is warranted to unravel these intriguing interactions within interkingdom biofilms.