A simple flow cell system to evaluate in vitro bacterial adhesion on solids

A simple flow cell system was developed for studies of bacterial adhesion on hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces in the presence or absence of saliva. The system consists of flow cells made of borosilicate glass tubes (flow cell volume, 0.45 ml) that are connected to syringes mounted on an infusion pump. Hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces were obtained by treating the flow cells with acid or dichlorodimethylsilane, respectively. Liquids and bacterial suspensions were withdrawn directly into the flow cells and the flow rate was monitored through the infusion pump. The adhesion of ³H-labeled Streptococcus mutans cells to bare or saliva-coated surfaces was studied in this system by determining the radioactivity retained in the flow cells after rinsing with buffer at different flow rates. The results indicate that factors like the bacterial cell density, the surface properties, the presence of saliva pellicle and the rinsing flow rate significantly affect the adhesion of S. mutans. These results are in agreement with previous findings obtained with other flow cell systems. The present system has the advantages of using small volumes of liquids and allowing defined laminar flow conditions. Moreover, the entire cell, not only selected area spots, are used for the evaluation of bacterial adhesion. No part of the flow cell is re-used, thus avoiding the risk of contamination with other components. The system may therefore be suitable for assays testing the effect of different compounds on bacterial adhesion.