The influence of dietary changes on the microbial composition of the oral biofilm

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ali Al-Ahmad
• Subject Area: Dentistry, Oral Surgery ; Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology
• Term: from 2014 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 262901549

Oral biofilm consists of numerous different microorganisms and has been demonstrated to be a crucial etiological factor in biofilm-mediated diseases such as caries, gingivitis and periodontal disease. According to the ecological plaque hypothesis the composition and the activity of the oral biofilm is the result of different environmental factors, among which diet seems to play an important role. Meanwhile, it is well-known that the cariogenic activity of the oral biofilm is attributed to the related extensive shift in the composition of the oral biofilm and not only to the activity of specific bacterial species, such as Streptococcus mutans. To date, there is a lack of comprehensive in situ studies on the microbial shift as well as the sustainability of the oral biofilm. The aim of this report is to investigate the influence of different dietary change cycles (including high-carbohydrate diet with saccharose) on the microbial composition of the oral biofilm. Oral biofilm on bovine enamel samples will be formed on splint systems carried by several subjects and analyzed with the culture-independent cloning technique, pyrosequencing (next generation sequencing) and additionally by means of conventional culture technique. Further analyses include acidogenic activity of the oral microflora and demineralization/remineralization rates of the bovine enamel samples. Changes of the microbial biofilm composition depending on dietary changes will be calculated by a statistician who is part of the group. The aim is to find a comprehensive answer to this question applying the different microbiological approaches mentioned above.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Persons: Professor Dr. Markus Altenburger; Professor Dr. Elmar Hellwig; Professor Dr. Johan Peter Wölber