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Progress Towards Phage Stability For Possible Oral Phage Therapy, Erin Russo

Scholars Day Conference

Oral cavities or caries is a localized deterioration of the tooth caused by an accumulation of harmful bacteria. This research intends to integrate bacteriophages onto unwaxed dental floss as a possible future preventative treatment for oral cavities. Bacteriophages are viruses that degrade the composition of bacterial populations by invading and reproducing inside bacterial hosts. The experimental framework involves soaking unwaxed floss in the bacteriophages named Phrick and Stonehill. The effectiveness of infection is measured by applying the phage-infused floss on an agar plate with Gordonia terrae CAG3, then analyzing the diameter of the plaque around the floss. This research will …