Development of biofilm-surface adhesion technique via laser-induced stress waves

Bacterial infection is of paramount concern regarding human health and is a substantial hurdle in dental implantation. Bacterial proliferation on the surface of a dental implant can lead to development of a biofilm, a scenario in which bacteria have congregated and secrete an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). The EPS has different modes of function, those most existential to the bacteria are: strong attachment to surfaces, a protective realm for the bacteria to flourish, containment of DNA, and a medium for quorum sensing (communication method used to recruit more bacteria). If this bacterial aggregation continues it can lead to serious subgingival infections which are difficult to remedy and often result in extraction of the implant to treat the site. Development of surfaces which are impervious to bacterial adhesion is of interest to the dental industry as such an accomplishment could greatly reduce the number of failed dental implants and therefore promote oral health and hygiene. To approach this problem, an evaluation of oral bacteria’s adhesion strength to a given surface must be established. Laser spallation is an effective strategy well suited for this study, the technique involves loading a substrate with a stress wave delivered by an infrared laser. The substrate is designed with the same parameters as a dental implant and hosts a live biofilm comprised of an oral bacterium that is most common on failed implants. This work will describe the substrate preparation, biofilm selection, fluence to failure testing, and obstacles involved.