research cluster: oral microbial ecology · oral microbial ecology = oral microbiology from a...
TRANSCRIPT
Research Cluster:
Oral Microbial Ecology
Oral Microbial Ecology
= Oral microbiology from a community and ecological perspective
Community: Oral biofilms as multi-cellular organisms rather than specific key pathogens
- Oral pathogens are part of an endogenous microbiota
- Composition is a result of synergistic and antagonistic interactions
Ecology: Community in close proximity with highly dynamic environment
- Community changes ↔ Ecological changes
=> metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics & metabolomics
Oral Microbial Ecology
Young
1988: Microscope & photo camera (Prof. Quirynen & U. Groningen)
“Department of Periodontology”
Influence SR and SFE on plaque/biofilm growth
1993: Culturing & identification (Rega institute)
“Oral Microbiology Research Group” & own labspace
Identification of oral bacteria
1995: Epithelial cell model to study adhesion (CME & Histology)
“Research Group for Microbial Adhesion”
Adhesion and colonization of hard and soft tissues
First research grant
1995-2012: Expansion in lines: clinical microbiology, microbial & environmental interactions, ...
fields: cariology, orthodontics, endodontics, material sciences...
techniques: microscopy, (Q)PCR, DGGE, dynamic biofilm models, GFP
Oral Microbial Ecology
Achievements
- Proof of concept (in vitro/in vivo)
- Selective elimination via predators
- First oral prebiotic
- Influence on inflammation
What
- Focus on “beneficial microbes”
- Community shifting via adding, selective outgrowth or selective killing
Probiotics and Prebiotics: microbial interactions
Future research plans:
- Substrate-metabolite effects
- Focus on role of beneficial bacteria in inflammation
- Focus on interspecies interactions
Research network: RGMA – LabMet – BioTec – UCLA – Hebrew University Jerusalem – Colgate – Biogaia
Cukurova University - University Vermont - Forsyth
Oral Microbial Ecology
Achievements
- Influence of SR and SFE
- Effect of biofilm on wear and corrosion
- Epithelial monolayer and multilayer model
- Hydrodynamic model
What
- Influence of surface properties-biofilm formation and vice versa
- Modulate biofilm formation on e.g. dental implants
Effect of implant surfaces: surface roughness and surface free energy
Future research plans:
- Evaluation of modified implant surfaces (anti-biofilm, anti-redox coatings)
- Improvement in hydrodynamic models via bioreactors
Research network: RGMA – BioMat – LMPG - University Minho – Forsyth– Penn University
University Groningen - Ege University – Nobel BioCare - Astra
Oral Microbial Ecology
Achievements
- Longitudinal microbial changes after
orthodontic appliances
- Composite monomers do not influence outgrow
cariogenic bacteria
What
- Influence of dental materials (eg. orthodontic brackets) and restorative
materials (e.g. resins) on biofilm composition & activity
Effect of dental (bio-) materials
Future research plans:
- Focus on characterization of restoration-biofilm interactions
Research network: RGMA – Biomat - Orthodontics
Oral Microbial Ecology
Achievements
- Tongue cleansers on microbial load
- Correlation between S. moorei & halitosis
- Salivary incubation test for oral malodor
- QPCR for S. moorei
What
- Contribution of the microbial ecology to tongue coating & halitosis
Tongue coating & halitosis
Future research plans:
- Characterization of the tongue microbiota in relation to tongue coating
and halitosis
Research network: RGMA – LabMet – BioTec – GABA/Colgate
Oral Microbial Ecology
Achievements
- Full mouth disinfection
- Inhibition of cariogenic species after periodontal R/
- Nd:YAG laser & PAD on endodontic pathogens
- Hydrodynamic model to test antiseptics
What
- Evaluation and development of new antimicrobial strategies on clinical
and microbiological parameters
Antimicrobial strategies
Future research plans:
- Laser assisted disinfections
- Development of more complex models
- Continuation of evaluation of antiseptics
Research network: RGMA – Endodontics - LabMet - BioTec – Complutense University Madrid – Cukurova
University
Oral Microbial Ecology
Expertise
- Multispecies biofilms (14 species) via bioreactor
- qPCR quantification
- Virulence gene expression
- Inflammatory potential
- Library of oral bacterial species
- Clinical microbial research
BUT WE HAVE A LOT FRIENDS!
Oral Microbial Ecology
Partners & Funding
DEPARTMENT OF
ORAL HEALTH SCIENCES