A New Method to Evaluate pH at the Interface Between Parasites and Biomaterials

Physiochemical assessment of the parasite–biomaterial interface is essential to develop new biomaterials. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to evaluate pH at the parasite–biomaterial interface and demonstrate physiochemical interaction at the interface. An experimental apparatus with a well for pH monitoring was made of acrylic resin with a bottom of test materials. The well was filled with Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10449, and an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) pH electrode was placed at an interface between bacterial cells and materials. The pH was monitored after the addition of 1% glucose at 37°C. The pH at the parasite–biomaterial interface was successfully monitored using the experimental apparatus with an ISFET pH electrode. This method could be useful to assess the pH at the parasite–biomaterial interface.