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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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Microtiter Dish Biofilm Formation Assay
Published on: January 30, 2011
Staphylococcus epidermidis forms biofilms under simulated platelet storage conditions.
Carey Greco1, Irene Martincic, Arjeta Gusinjac
1Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Transfusion
|June 22, 2007
Summary
Staphylococcus epidermidis can form biofilms in platelet preparations, potentially leading to missed detection. Platelets act as a scaffold, promoting bacterial biofilm formation in storage conditions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis exhibits slow growth in platelet preparations, risking detection failure.
- This bacterium is a primary cause of nosocomial sepsis, known for forming biofilms on medical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate biofilm formation (BF) by Staphylococcus epidermidis within platelet (PLT) preparations.
- To determine if PLT storage conditions promote bacterial biofilm development.
Main Methods:
- Cultured biofilm-positive and -negative S. epidermidis strains in whole blood-derived PLTs (WBDPs) and TSBg.
- Adapted a BF assay for WBDP cultures and examined bacterial attachment via scanning electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Both S. epidermidis strains showed similar growth in WBDPs and TSBg.
- Biofilm formation was observed on PLT bags and PLTs by both strains, with the BFneg strain showing increased BF in WBDPs.
- Reduced PLT concentration significantly decreased S. epidermidis biofilm formation.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis forms biofilms on platelet aggregates and storage bags under typical PLT storage conditions.
- The PLT storage environment facilitates biofilm formation in contaminating bacteria.
