Disruption of Oral Flora Biofilms by Streptococcus pyogenes
University
Shawnee State University
Major
Biology
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
Presentation Types
Poster Presentation (Live)
Keywords:
Biofilm Disruption Strep
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a bacterial pathogen associated with sore throat. Although it is possible to be an asymptomatic carrier of GAS, infection often results in streptococcal pharyngitis or other invasive diseases. This study aims to determine whether GAS disrupts existing biofilms of normal oral and throat microbes. Bacterial species used in this research to simulate biofilms of the oral cavity include Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus salivarius. Control biofilms were grown in vitro using six-well plates and tryptic soy broth (TSB). A series of washes and staining using crystal violet were performed, followed by optic density (OD) measurements using spectrophotometry. In the experimental group, biofilms were exposed to filtered GAS supernatant and whole-cell lysate to assess the effects of GAS on the biofilm sustainability. Results showed significant biofilm disruption upon exposure to GAS supernatant and WCL. Further testing is required to determine this effect.
Human and Animal Subjects
no
IRB or IACUC Approval
no
Faculty Mentor Name
Eugene Burns
Faculty Mentor Title
Professor of Biology
Faculty Mentor Department
Natural Sciences
Recommended Citation
Yarnell, Brayden and Lewis, Tracy, "Disruption of Oral Flora Biofilms by Streptococcus pyogenes" (2026). Celebration of Scholarship. 8.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/cos/2026/PosterSession/8
Disruption of Oral Flora Biofilms by Streptococcus pyogenes
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a bacterial pathogen associated with sore throat. Although it is possible to be an asymptomatic carrier of GAS, infection often results in streptococcal pharyngitis or other invasive diseases. This study aims to determine whether GAS disrupts existing biofilms of normal oral and throat microbes. Bacterial species used in this research to simulate biofilms of the oral cavity include Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus salivarius. Control biofilms were grown in vitro using six-well plates and tryptic soy broth (TSB). A series of washes and staining using crystal violet were performed, followed by optic density (OD) measurements using spectrophotometry. In the experimental group, biofilms were exposed to filtered GAS supernatant and whole-cell lysate to assess the effects of GAS on the biofilm sustainability. Results showed significant biofilm disruption upon exposure to GAS supernatant and WCL. Further testing is required to determine this effect.