University Archives

Candida albicans, a common oral fungus, often interacts with oral bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans to form biofilms that resist treatment and are difficult to remove. Our research investigates which C. albicans genes are required for biofilm formation with S. mutans. Using a developed protocol, mutant strains of C. albicans are examined via an assay. The experiments involve preparing and culturing fungal and bacterial strains, monitoring biofilm development, and analyzing results. The purpose of our research is to determine which mutations disrupt or prevent biofilm formation and to identify the genes required for the maintenance of the biofilm when formed together. This project hopes to identify potential drug targets for the prevention of caries.