Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
11:19
Oral Biofilm Formation on Different Materials for Dental Implants
Published on: June 24, 2018
Biofilm formation by Enterococcus faecalis on intraocular lens material
Shinichiro Kobayakawa1, Bradley D Jett, Michael S Gilmore
1Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Current Eye Research
|September 9, 2005
Summary
Enterococcus faecalis biofilms form more readily on acrylic and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lens (IOL) materials than silicone IOLs over time. Silicone IOLs showed the least biofilm formation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Intraocular lens (IOL) materials are crucial for cataract surgery outcomes.
- Biofilm formation on IOLs can lead to serious ocular infections.
- Enterococcus faecalis is a common pathogen implicated in endophthalmitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the in vitro biofilm formation of Enterococcus faecalis on three common IOL materials: silicone, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and acrylic.
- To determine if IOL material composition influences the extent and bacterial population within E. faecalis biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Cultured E. faecalis biofilms on silicone, PMMA, and acrylic IOL disks.
- Quantified biofilm formation using crystal violet staining and bacterial enumeration.
- Visualized biofilm architecture using confocal microscopy.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in biofilm formation at 24 hours among the IOL materials.
- After 48 and 72 hours, silicone IOLs exhibited significantly less biofilm formation compared to PMMA and acrylic (p < 0.05).
- Acrylic IOLs showed the greatest amount of stainable biofilm, and PMMA had a significantly greater bacterial population (p < 0.005).
Conclusions:
- Silicone IOLs demonstrate superior resistance to E. faecalis biofilm formation compared to PMMA and acrylic IOLs.
- Acrylic and PMMA IOLs are more prone to supporting robust biofilm development by E. faecalis over time.
- Material choice may influence the risk of infectious complications following IOL implantation.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
01:29Biofilms
Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...