ABSTRACT

Purpose:

Biofilms are communities of special microorganisms colonizing a surface, and biofilm cells are more resistant to biocides. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of polyvinylpyrolidone iodine (PVP), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and glutaraldehyde on biofilms and planktonic cells of slime producing bacteria and yeasts.

Materials and Methods:

Biofilms of slime producing isolates of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were grown on polystyrene coupons for 72 hours in Tryptic soy and Sabouraud broth with the addition of glucose. These biofilms and planktonic cell suspensions of tested microorganisms were treated with 10% PVP, 5% NaOCl and 2% glutaraldehyde. The effects of disinfectants were evaluated according to the plate counting method.

Results:

Glutaraldehyde was the most effective agent on biofilms of the tested microorganisms. Furthermore, PVP had no effect on biofilms of any of the tested microorganisms. NaOCl was effective on biofilms of C. albicans but not effective on biofilms of CoNS or P. aeruginosa. PVP, NaOCl and glutaraldehyde were all effective against planktonic cell suspensions.

Conclusion:

Glutaraldehyde is an effective agent on biofilms and could be used for disinfection of CoNS, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans biofilms. In addition, biofilms seem to be more resistant to disinfectants than planktonic cell suspensions.