Dental handpiece contamination: a proteomics and surface analysis approach
Andrew Smith1, Gordon Smith, David F Lappin
1a Institute of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, Glasgow Dental Hospital & School, University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK ;
Biofouling
|October 22, 2013
Summary
Internal dental handpiece (DHP) components accumulate difficult-to-remove protein biofouling. Surgical gears showed the highest contamination, but automated cleaning significantly reduced residual protein levels.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dental Materials Science
- Infection Control
Background:
- Dental handpieces (DHPs) are prone to internal biofouling from patient materials.
- Effective cleaning and decontamination of internal DHP components are challenging.
- Protein contamination poses a risk for cross-contamination and instrument reprocessing efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively and qualitatively investigate protein contamination in different types of DHPs.
- To assess the effectiveness of automated decontamination methods for DHPs.
- To identify the types of proteins contaminating internal DHP components.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of protein contamination in turbine, slow speed, and surgical DHPs using orthophthaldehyde assay.
- Characterization of proteins via SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry, Western blotting, and ELISA.
- Surface analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX).
Main Results:
- Surgical gears exhibited the highest protein levels (403 μg), followed by low speed spray channels (17.7 μg), and high speed turbines (<5 μg).
- Mass spectrometry identified predominantly serum-derived proteins in surgical gears.
- Automated washer disinfectors and handpiece irrigators significantly reduced residual protein levels.
Conclusions:
- Significant protein contamination exists within internal DHP components, particularly surgical gears.
- Automated decontamination processes are effective in reducing protein biofouling.
- Further research into DHP design and cleaning protocols is warranted to ensure patient safety.
