Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Organic Peroxyacids for Eradicating Dairy Biofilms Using an Approach Combining Static and Dynamic Methods
11:47

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Organic Peroxyacids for Eradicating Dairy Biofilms Using an Approach Combining Static and Dynamic Methods

Published on: December 9, 2022

Efficacy of disinfecting solutions in removing biofilms from polyvinyl chloride tracheostomy tubes

Rodrigo C Silva1, Ryan A Carver, Carolyn P Ojano-Dirain

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA. rodrigo.silva@ent.ufl.edu

The Laryngoscope
|August 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine effectively remove Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms from pediatric tracheostomy tubes (TTs). These solutions offer improved disinfection for reusable TTs compared to standard cleaning methods.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Bacterial biofilms frequently colonize pediatric tracheostomy tubes (TTs).
  • Standard cleaning methods with gauze and detergents are insufficient for complete biofilm removal.
  • Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) are common pathogens found in TT biofilms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of various disinfecting solutions in eliminating SA and PA biofilms from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pediatric TTs.
  • To compare the effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, and denture cleanser against common TT biofilm-forming bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, controlled, in vitro microbiologic study was conducted using PVC TT coupons.
  • Coupons were exposed to human plasma, then incubated with SA or PA for 7 days to form biofilms.
  • Biofilms were treated for 5 minutes with chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, Polident, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS).
  • Bacterial counts and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assessed biofilm presence and surface integrity.

Main Results:

  • All tested solutions significantly reduced SA biofilm counts.
  • Chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite demonstrated superior efficacy against SA compared to peroxide and Polident.
  • Chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite, and peroxide treatments significantly reduced PA biofilm counts, while Polident had no significant effect.
  • SEM confirmed that all tested solutions maintained the integrity of the PVC TT surfaces.

Conclusions:

  • Disinfection with sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidine solutions is highly effective in reducing SA and PA biofilms on PVC TTs.
  • These readily available disinfecting solutions can enhance the standard home care protocols for reusable pediatric TTs.
  • The findings support the integration of chlorhexidine or sodium hypochlorite into routine pediatric tracheostomy tube maintenance.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Biofilm Removal Using Carbon Dioxide Aerosols without Nitrogen Purge07:11

Biofilm Removal Using Carbon Dioxide Aerosols without Nitrogen Purge

Published on: November 6, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Hand hygiene01:23

Hand hygiene

Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen01:16

Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen

Oxygen therapy is a pivotal aspect of medical care, particularly for patients with respiratory ailments. Two prominent oxygen-delivering systems include the Venturi mask and the transtracheal oxygen catheter.
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Biofilms01:29

Biofilms

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...
Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection01:30

Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection

Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization are the methods that help to break the infection chain and prevent disease.
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Antimicrobial Effectiveness01:28

Antimicrobial Effectiveness

The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents depends on various factors influencing their ability to eliminate microbial populations. Larger microbial populations require more time for complete eradication, emphasizing the importance of population size analysis when evaluating antimicrobial efficacy.Microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents varies significantly. Highly resilient microorganisms include endospores, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses, while prions are exceptionally...
Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure01:23

Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure

Tracheostomy suctioning is a vital nursing procedure that involves removing secretions from the tracheostomy tube to maintain airway patency and prevent respiratory complications. Nurses need to understand the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning to ensure patient safety and comfort. In this guide, we will outline the step-by-step process for performing tracheostomy suctioning, including preparing the sterile field, donning personal protective equipment (PPE), lubricating and connecting...