Visualisation of Oral Microbes in Mouth Care Rinses
Case Study
Mouthwash, also known as oral rinse solution, is a product used to rinse the teeth, gums and mouth following brushing. Its active ingredient usually contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that live in the mouth. It also helps to tackle gum disease (gingivitis), plaque, bad breath and tooth decay.
The challenge
Our customer wanted to visualise the effects of their mouthwash on specific oral periodontic microorganisms following a treatment with a mouthcare rinse. The study was required to demonstrate that their mouthwash kills a diverse range of microorganisms within the relatively brief 30 second exposure time.
What we delivered
Lucideon visually demonstrated the effects of the mouthwash treatment on the surface morphology of four common oral pathogens. Two aerobic microorganisms: Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and two anaerobic microorganisms: Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The microorganisms were visualised using two electron microscopic techniques: TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). The project involved growing each of the four microorganisms and the subsequent treatment with oral mouthwash using a kill kinetics assay. The resultant solution of mouthwash and microorganism was subsequently fixed through treatment with a Glutaraldehyde solution prior to visualisation.
Value to the client
Using our microbiology expertise, Lucideon supported the visualisation of the effect that the customer’s mouthwash was having on oral microorganisms. This project enabled the customer to obtain a deeper understanding of their product as well as access to images suitable for marketing material that can improve consumer trust.
SEM images generated in conjunction with EM Analytical of Candida albicans.
Left image: control, Right image: Mouthwash treated cells of Candida albicans.