Center for Biofilm Engineering
Abstract:
"Biofilm Removal from Silicone Tubing: An Assessment of the Efficacy of
Dialysis Machine Decontamination Procedures Using an In Vitro Mode"
03-002 The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of 21
decontamination procedures, for the removal of a multispecies biofilm.
Experiments were performed on five-day-old biofilms grown inside silicone
tubing, using a reactor system that mimics a dialysis machine. The treatments
were tested on 5 cm tubing samples. Effects of treatment were measured using
direct microscopy following staining. Bacterial viability and endotoxin removal
were determined using conventional microbiological methods following biofilm
detachment by scraping. The 21 procedures were classified into four groups based
on the amount of biofilm removed. The most effective treatment was an acid
pre-treatment, followed by use of a concentrated bleach solution. Acid
pre-treatment removes calcium and magnesium carbonate crystals that are always
found in dialysis biofilms. Treatments performed at high temperature did not
increase the efficacy of biofilm removal. Most treatments caused at least a
105-fold reduction in bacterial viability with a few resulting in complete kill.
Autoclaved and bleach-treated samples gave the best results for viability
reduction, with both treatments providing an equally effective and complete
kill. In addition, autoclaving led to a significant decrease in endotoxin level
(removal of 99.99%).
Marion-Ferey, K., M. Pasmore, P. Stoodley, S. Wilson, G. P. Husson, and
J.W. Costerton, "Biofilm Removal from Silicone Tubing: An Assessment of the
Efficacy of Dialysis Machine Decontamination Procedures using an In Vitro
Model," J. Hospital Infection, 53(1):64-71 (2003).
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