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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 7: Poster I

BP 7.26: Poster

Monday, March 23, 2009, 17:45–20:00, P3

Protein film formation on hydroxy apatite surfaces — •Christian Zeitz, Frank Müller, and Karin Jacobs — Saarland University, Experimental Physics, D-66041 Saarbruecken

The composition and the morphology of initial protein films play an important role in the formation of the so-called pellicle, the intra-oral biofilm that builds up on tooth surfaces in contact with saliva. Recently, it has been shown on model surfaces that the chemical composition of the uppermost surface layer of a substrate as well as the subsurface composition determines the function of the pellicle and especially the development of the mature biofilm, including bacteria. The aim is to understand the pellicle formation under variable substrate conditions.

The focus of our study lies on the characterization of such protein films on two different kinds of enamel-like surfaces: fluoridated and unfluoridated hydroxyl apatite. It has been shown [1] that the application of acidic amine fluoride agents changes untreated surfaces not only in the uppermost layer but also affects the composition of the bulk material up to a depth of some hundred nanometers. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the (un-) fluoridated samples as a function of depth can be characterized by XPS-ESCA. Both types of surfaces are exposed to protein solutions. Within minutes, the proteins adsorb building up a biofilm, the morphology of which is characterized by AFM.

[1]: Müller et al., arXiv:0806.1425v1 ,2008