Center for Biofilm Engineering

Abstract:  

"Diffusion of macromolecules in model oral biofilms"
 

09-008

The diffusive penetration of fluorescently-tagged macromolecular solutes into model oral biofilms was visualized by time-lapse microscopy. All of the solutes tested, including dextrans, proteases, GFP, and IgG accessed the interior of cells clusters one to two hundred microns in diameter within 3 minutes or less.
 

Takenaka S, Pitts B, Trivedi HM, Stewart PS, "Diffusion of macromolecules in model oral biofilms," Appl Environ Microbiol 2009; 43(6):1890–1895