Biofilm Ring Test® – a New Technique of in Vitro Evaluation of Mouthrinses

Abstract

Oral biofilms are the etiological factor for dental caries and periodontal disease. Prevention should focus on the removal of existing oral biofilms and inhibition of new biofilm formation. Mouthrinses are efficient antiplaque and antigingivits agents. Mouthrinses are tested in vitro before their clinical use. Biofilm models that mimic in vivo conditions are used for this purpose. Biofilm Ring Test® represents a new device for in vitro biofilm evaluation. The principle of the method consists of the addition of magnetic microbeads to the bacterial solution. During biofilm formation the beads are incorporated in the exopolisaccharide matrix. After incubation the biofilms are read with a special scanner prior and after magnetization. Based on the readings a Biofilm Forming Index (BFI) is calculated. The BFI values are indicating the presence or absence of biofilms. The Biofim Ring Test® technique is a rapid, precise and reproducible method for biofilm detection.