In Situ Raman Analysis of Biofilm Exopolysaccharides Formed in Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis Commensal Cultures

This study probed in vitro the mechanisms of competition/coexistence between Streptococcus sanguinis (known for being correlated with health in the oral cavity) and Streptococcus mutans (responsible for aciduric oral environment and formation of caries) by means of quantitative Raman spectroscopy and imaging. In situ Raman assessments of live bacterial culture/coculture focusing on biofilm exopolysaccharides supported the hypothesis that both species engaged in antagonistic interactions. Experiments of simultaneous colonization always resulted in coexistence, but they also revealed fundamental alterations of the biofilm with respect to their water-insoluble glucan structure. Raman spectra (collected at fixed time but different bacterial ratios) showed clear changes in chemical bonds in glucans, which pointed to an action by Streptococcus sanguinis to discontinue the impermeability of the biofilm constructed by Streptococcus mutans. The concurrent effects of glycosidic bond cleavage in water-insoluble α − 1,3–glucan and oxidation at various sites in glucans’ molecular chains supported the hypothesis that secretion of oxygen radicals was the main “chemical weapon” used by Streptococcus sanguinis in coculture.