Colonization of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive by Staphylococcus epidermidis

In vitro adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive surfaces was investigated by employing a modified Robbins device. Bacterial colonization of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive polymer surfaces was demonstrated by employing scanning electron microscopy, epifluorescence technique, and aerobic plate counts. The S. epidermidis was found to rapidly colonize the n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate polymer surface producing a biofilm composed of embedded bacteria in an extensive amorphous matrix that totally occludes the material surface. The results indicate that the bacteriocidal properties of the polymer to this bacteria are weak or absent.