Surface characteristics and microbial adherence ability of modified polymethylmethacrylate by fluoridated glass fillers.

Background: The current study objectives were to evaluate the influence of fluoridated glass fillers loading on the surface roughness, wettability, and adherence of candida and bacteria with and without saliva presence to a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base material surface.

Methods: Four concentrations of fluoridated glass fillers were added to PMMA: 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% by weight pre-polymerization and 0% was the control.

Binding of Streptococcus gordonii to oral epithelial monolayers increases paracellular barrier function.

The junctional epithelium comprising the gingival attachment to the tooth acts as a barrier against pathogenic subgingival plaque microbes and their products. There is evidence that pathogenic Porphyromonas gingivalis has the potential to disrupt epithelial integrity, contributing to breakdown of the junctional epithelium characteristic of the immunopathological response of chronic periodontitis. The present study investigated the capacity of the oral commensal Streptococcus gordonii to increase epithelial barrier function to support epithelial integrity of healthy tissue.

Streptococcus gordonii FSS2 Challisin affects fibrin clot formation by digestion of the αC region and cleavage of the N -terminal region of the Bβ chains of fibrinogen.

Bacteria within endocarditis vegetations are encased in fibrin matrix that is resistant to resolution. We have previously shown that FSS2 Challisin, a serine protease from Streptococcus gordonii, is able to hydrolyse the Aα and Bβ chains of fibrinogen and has potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity. The alteration in the structure of fibrin formed from FSS2 Challisin-degraded fibrinogen may therefore contribute to the resistant fibrin matrix.

Regulation of reactionary dentin formation by odontoblasts in response to polymicrobial invasion of dentin matrix.

Odontoblast synthesis of dentin proceeds through discrete but overlapping phases characterized by formation of a patterned organic matrix followed by remodelling and active mineralization. Microbial invasion of dentin in caries triggers an adaptive response by odontoblasts, culminating in formation of a structurally altered reactionary dentin, marked by biochemical and architectonic modifications including diminished tubularity. Scanning electron microscopy of the collagen framework in reactionary dentin revealed a radically modified yet highly organized meshwork as indicated by fractal and lacunarity analyses.