An Alternative Approach to Investigate Biofilm in Medical Devices: A Feasibility Study

Tiziana Petrachi, Elisa Resca, Maria Serena Piccinno, Francesco Biagi, Valentina Strusi, Massimo Dominici and Elena Veronesi
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Tiziana Petrachi: Science and Technology Park for Medicine, via 29 Maggio 6, 41037 Mirandola, Modena, Italy
Elisa Resca: Science and Technology Park for Medicine, via 29 Maggio 6, 41037 Mirandola, Modena, Italy
Maria Serena Piccinno: Science and Technology Park for Medicine, via 29 Maggio 6, 41037 Mirandola, Modena, Italy
Francesco Biagi: B. Braun Avitum Italy S.p.A., via XXV Luglio 11, 41037 Mirandola, Modena, Italy
Valentina Strusi: Science and Technology Park for Medicine, via 29 Maggio 6, 41037 Mirandola, Modena, Italy
Massimo Dominici: Science and Technology Park for Medicine, via 29 Maggio 6, 41037 Mirandola, Modena, Italy
Elena Veronesi: Science and Technology Park for Medicine, via 29 Maggio 6, 41037 Mirandola, Modena, Italy

IJERPH, 2017, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-7

Abstract: Biofilms are assemblages of bacterial cells irreversibly associated with a surface where moisture is present. In particular, they retain a relevant impact on public health since through biofilms bacteria are able to survive and populate biomedical devices causing severe nosocomial infections that are generally resistant to antimicrobial agents. Therefore, controlling biofilm formation is a mandatory feature during medical device manufacturing and during their use. In this study, combining a crystal violet staining together with advanced stereomicroscopy, we report an alternative rapid protocol for both qualitative and semi-quantitative biofilm determination having high specificity, high repeatability, and low variability. The suggested approach represents a reliable and versatile method to detect, monitor, and measure biofilm colonization by an easy, more affordable, and reproducible method.

Keywords: medical device; biofilm; crystal violet; bacteria; stereomicroscopy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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