Polymicrobial synergy within oral biofilm promotes invasion of dendritic cells and survival of consortia members

Colonization and growth advantages in consortium in-vitro. SEM scans showing biofilm formation after 12？h cultured on sterile tooth surface: a Control (No bacteria), b S. gordonii alone, c F. nucleatum alone, d P. gingivalis, and e–h Three species mixed biofilm (Lower magnification) to (Higher magnification) showing the characteristics rod-shaped P. gingivalis, cocci S. gordonii and fusiform rods F. nucleatum forming aggregate structure. e–i show different magnification of the same section with right at the lowest and left with at higher magnification. Blue boxes mark the sequenced higher magnifications from (e–h). h Computer-generated image shows color markings for rod-shaped P. gingivalis as red, cocci S. gordonii as green and fusiform rods F. nucleatum as orange (photoshop CS6). The three species frequently embedded within a self-produced matrix (e and f) Individual magnifications and size bars are shown on labels of each micrograp