Biofilm formation stages

At the interface between the oral environment and the enamel surface, the salivary pellicle also exerts selectivity for bacterial adherence and is involved in the early stages of microbial biofilm formation (see below). Components of the pellicle serve as receptors for bacteria. Modification of the pellicle by host and bacterial enzymes may alter the functional characteristics of the pellicle surface, thereby influencing attachment of bacteria. 

A four-stage model has been used to describe the development of a bacterial biofilm. The stages comprise, first, primary attachment of cells to the underlying biomaterial, second, accumulation in multiple bacterial layers, third, maturation of the biofilm, and fourth, detachment of planktonic cells from the biofilm, which may then initiate a new cycle of biofilm formation elsewhere [11], In the staphylococci clear evidence exists for the attachment and accumulation/maturation stages of the biofilm model [12] (Fig. 1), while active detachment mechanisms are not well... 

McLean JS, Wanger G, Gorby YA, Wainstein M, McQuaid J, Ishii SI, Bretschger O, Beyenal H, Nealson KH. Quantification of electron transfer rates to a solid phase elec-kon acceptor through the stages of biofilm formation from single cells to multicellular communities. Environ Sci Technol 2010 44(7) 2721-2727. 

Dental caries is a common chronic disease in which contact between teeth, food, and bacteria is involved. The major bacteria involved are believed to be Streptococcus mutans and S. sobrinus, although several Other types of bacteria are involved. Three stages have been outlined in caries adherence of bacteria to the teeth, formation of glycocalyx due to synthesis of a sticky glucan by the action of the bacterial enzyme glucosyl transferase on sucrose, and accumulation of plaque, which is a biofilm. In the dental plaque, there is continuing acid production by the bacteria, which are able to metabolize carbohydrates in acid medium, and the acid demineralizes the enamel of the teeth. 

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