Effects of CO2 laser irradiation on matrix-rich biofilm development formation – An in vitro study

• Published in: PeerJ preprints 2016-05
• Main Authors: Zancope, Bruna Raquel, Dainezi, Vanessa B, Nobre-dos-Santos, Marinês, Duarte, Sillas, Jr, Pardi, Vanessa, Murata, Ramiro M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biofilms; Carbon dioxide; Demineralization; Dental enamel; Enamel; Lasers; Morphology; Polysaccharides; Scanning electron microscopy
• ISSN: 2167-9843
• DOI: 10.7287/peerj.preprints.2084v1

Background. CO2 laser has been used to morphologically and chemically modify the dental enamel surface as well as to turn it more resistant to demineralization. Despite a variety of experiments demonstrating the inhibitory effect of CO2 laser in reduce enamel demineralization, little is known about the effect of surface irradiated on bacterial growth. Thus, this in vitro study was preformed to evaluate the biofilm formation on enamel previously irradiated with a CO2 laser (λ = 10.6 µM). Methods. For this in vitro study, it was employed 96 specimens of bovine enamel, which were divided into 2 groups (n = 48): 1) Control-non-irradiated surface and 2) Irradiated enamel surface. Biofilms were grown on the enamel specimens by 1, 3 and 5 days under intermittent cariogenic condition in the irradiated and non irradiated surface. In each assessment time, the biofilm were evaluated by dry weigh, counting the number of viable colonies and in fifth day, were evaluated by polysaccharides analysis, quantitative real time PCR as well as by contact angle. In addition, the morphology of biofilms was characterized by fluorescence microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Initially, the assumptions of equal variances and normal distribution of errors were conferred and the results are analyzed statistically by t-test and Mann Whitney test. Results. The mean of log CFU/ml obtained for the 1-day biofilm evaluation showed that there is statistical difference between the experimental groups. When biofilms were exposed to CO2 laser, CFU/mL and CFU/ Dry Weight in 3 day was reduced significantly compared with control group. The difference in the genes expression (gtfB and gbpB) and polysaccharides was not statically significant. Contact angle was increased relative to control when the surface was irradiated with CO2 laser. Similar morphology was also visible with both treatments, however irradiated group revealed evidence of melting and fusion in the specimens. Conclusion. In conclusion CO2 laser irradiation modify the energy surface and disrupt the initial biofilm formation.