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Biofilms produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and by Staphylococcus aureus on model medical devices
1Institute of Microbiology, University Medical School, Pécs, Hungary.
Abstract:
Polyethylene, teflon, tygon, polypropylene, silicon rubber, and rubber tubes or rings contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus were implanted subcutaneously into mice. After 5 days the colony forming units developing on, and attaching to them were determined. The highest numbers of bacteria were observed on rubber and silicon rubber, polyethylene was next in order, while significantly lower values were obtained on teflon and on tygon and polypropylene. Rubber devices were better colonized after heat than after UV sterilization. The number of bacteria rose further, if the already used rubber implant was resterilized, recontaminated and reimplanted. The model seems suitable to test the development of bacterial biofilms on different materials pretreated in different manners.
Insights
Different medical tube materials show varying bacterial colonization. Rubber and silicone rubber implants had the highest bacterial counts, while Teflon and polypropylene had the lowest, indicating material-dependent biofilm formation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Medical Device Research
Background:
- Medical implants and devices are prone to bacterial colonization, leading to device-associated infections.
- Understanding bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on various biomaterials is crucial for preventing implant-related complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the in vivo bacterial colonization of different polymer and rubber materials used in medical devices.
- To assess the impact of sterilization methods and repeated use on bacterial adhesion to implant materials.
Main Methods:
- Subcutaneous implantation of tubes/rings made of polyethylene, Teflon, Tygon, polypropylene, silicon rubber, and rubber into mice.
- Quantification of colony-forming units (CFUs) on and attached to the implanted materials after 5 days.
- Comparison of bacterial colonization on materials sterilized by heat versus UV, and assessment of re-sterilized and re-implanted used devices.
Main Results:
- Rubber and silicon rubber exhibited the highest bacterial colonization, followed by polyethylene.
- Teflon, Tygon, and polypropylene showed significantly lower bacterial adhesion.
- Heat sterilization resulted in greater colonization on rubber devices compared to UV sterilization.
- Re-sterilization and re-implantation of used rubber devices led to further increased bacterial numbers.
Conclusions:
- Material properties significantly influence bacterial biofilm development in vivo.
- Rubber and silicon rubber are more susceptible to bacterial colonization than Teflon, Tygon, and polypropylene.
- Sterilization methods and prior use can affect the subsequent bacterial adhesion to implant materials.
- The developed mouse model is effective for studying bacterial biofilm formation on diverse biomaterials and treatment strategies.