Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
6164460 
Journal Article 
Enterococcus Faecalis Biofilm. Formation and Development in Vitro Observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy 
Bulacio, M; Galván, LR; Gaudioso, C; Cangemi, R; Erimbaue, MI 
2015 
28 
3 
210-214 
English 
27095620 
Biofilm produced by Enterococcus faecalis isolated from root canals was detected by growing it on microplates and using 10% crystal violet stain, elution with alcohol and three procedures: no fixation, heat fixation and 10% formaldehyde fixation. The biofilm was evaluated using a Versamax Microplate Reader (USA). Twenty sterile root portions were incubated in TS broth with E. faecalis (108) for 48 hours, 4, 7, 14 and 30 days, after which they were processed and observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Significantly more biofilm was found on the microplates for formaldehyde fixation than for heat fixation or no fixation (ANOVA p<0.0001). SEM showed E. faecalis growth at all times and biofilm development as from 14 days' incubation. Fixation with 10% formaldehyde was the most appropriate technique for detecting E. faecalis biofilm development on microplates. SEM confirmed biofilm formation after 14 days incubation.