Reduction of bacterial biofilm on cochlear implants - an experimental in vitro analysis using scanning electron microscopy

Bacterial biofilm formation on medical devices, such as cochlear implants (CI), can lead to chronic infections. Interestingly, bioactive glass S53P4 seems to be a promising tool for biofilm reduction on CI components. In this study, biofilm formation before and after application of bioactive glass on different CI components was evaluated and visualized via electron microscopy.

On first level analysis, four bacterial species causing implant-related infections were evaluated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC9027), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC12228) and Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC19615). On second level, surface design and biofilm formation of S. aureus and its reduction after application of S53P4 bioactive glass were visualized via microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy.

The four bacterial strains showed an individual biofilm formation preferably on metal CI components. In particular, S. aureus showed the highest biofilm rate on the polystyrene surface. Thereby, A morphologic difference of S. aureus biofilm after application of S53P4 bioactive glass was detected in biofilm visualization via electron microscopy.

S. aureus is a strong biofilm builder especially on metal CI components. This study revealed an alteration in biofilm morphology on CI components via electron microscopy after application of bioactive glass.

Poster-PDF A-1232.pdf

Advanced Bionics, Bon Alive, Cochlear, MED-EL

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021