A simple and inexpensive device for biofilm analysis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• The Calgary Biofilm Device (CBD) is a standard for antibiotic susceptibility testing of biofilms.
• Developing cost-effective and accessible biofilm assay technologies is crucial for antimicrobial resistance research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a simple, inexpensive alternative to the CBD for biofilm susceptibility assays.
• To assess the utility of this novel device using Candida glabrata, a yeast known for forming resistant biofilms.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a new biofilm device using polypropylene (PP) microcentrifuge tubes and pipette tip boxes.
• Formation and quantification of Candida glabrata biofilms on the exterior of PP microcentrifuge tubes.
• Analysis of biofilm uniformity and reproducibility using quantitative methods and scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• Successful formation of reproducible Candida glabrata biofilms on the PP microcentrifuge tubes across three different strains.
• Quantitative analysis confirmed uniform biofilm growth within the device compartments.
• The variability in biofilm quantification was comparable to established methods like the CBD.

Conclusions:

• The developed PP microcentrifuge tube device offers a cost-effective and simple alternative for biofilm susceptibility testing.
• This method provides reproducible results for studying Candida glabrata biofilms, aiding in antimicrobial resistance research.
• The device demonstrates potential for broader application in biofilm-related antimicrobial susceptibility assays.