Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device
Published on: August 30, 2016
Microbial colonization of the Groningen speaking valve and its relationship to valve failure
S R Ell1, A J Mitchell, A J Parker
1ENT Department, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Abstract:
Speaking valve failure may be related to biofilm development. An inter-observer validated method of assessing microbial overgrowth in defective prostheses was developed. Two independent observers recorded colonisation of the valves on a 100 mm linear analogue scale in several defined areas. Inter-observer agreement was high in all areas. In vitro opening pressure and derived forward resistances were measured. The relationship between colonization of the valves and the in vitro measurements was investigated. Significant correlations for a two-tailed Spearman's test were recorded between the resistance and microbial colonization of the hinge and oesophageal areas (rs 0.22: P < 0.05, rs 0.25: P < 0.05, n = 80). There was no significant association for resistance and colonization of the tracheal surface, and no significant association between the opening pressure and the colonization. This work suggests that microbial colonization of the prosthesis in the oesophageal and hinge areas is associated with valve failure.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Signaling
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
The Oral Microbiota
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

