Biofilm development of Porphyromonas gingivalis on titanium surfaces in response to 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid—a hybrid in vitro – in silico approach

Abstract

The results of our hybrid in vitro–in silico experiments advance the research on P. gingivalis physiology and its DHNA-dependent colonization of implant surfaces. Our findings reveal that DHNA accelerates P. gingivalis growth, induces aggregation, and promotes colonization of titanium surfaces. For the first time, DHNA-induced P. gingivalis growth acceleration and an earlier shift away from ammonia dependency were observed fluorometrically, highlighting ammonia assimilation as a promising marker of P. gingivalis physiology during early biofilm expansion. Understanding how growth factors together with surface properties influence P. gingivalis colonization offers a basis for future preventive strategies. Our study’s stringent characterization of 3D surface texture parameters is expected to improve the reproducibility of biofilm-surface interactions experiments. The findings were validated using a continuum-based in silico model, initiating a hybrid approach where computational models complement in vitro research. Our interdisciplinary approach offers a versatile framework for investigating additional aspects of oral biofilms on titanium.