In chronic periodontitis, subgingival biofilms induce an inflammatory response leading to periodontal tissue destruction which may cause tooth loss. The response includes exudation of fluid (GCF) from the gingival pocket, giving rise to a protein-rich micro-environment in the biofilm. We hypothesize that proteolytic activity in biofilms is a virulence factor contributing to sustained inflammation.

To study the influence of GCF on proteolytic activity in a periodontitis-associated biofilm, a multi-species consortium (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra and Streptococcus constellatus) was grown in 10% equine serum (to model GCF) or BHI (control) for 2-5 days. Cell-associated and secreted proteolytic activity was investigated with zymography, fluorometry or fluorescent substrates in combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

After 2 days, streptococci dominated the consortium in BHI whereas in serum diversity was maintained over 5 days. The serum consortium also developed proteolytic activity, which was absent in BHI. Zymography revealed an array of secreted proteases. FISH revealed proteolytic activity associated with the cell surface of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum but not P. micra or S. constellatus.

Thus, serum favored survival of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum as well as production of proteases that can act as virulence factors in chronic periodontitis.