Control of staphylococcal adhesion to polystyrene surfaces by polymer surface modification with surfactants.
The adherence of three clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis to model polystyrene surfaces was studied in vitro using epifluorescent image analysis. A series of 16 Pluronic surfactants (A-B-A block copolymers where A is poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and B is poly(propylene oxide) (PPO)) were used as surface modifiers for the model polystyrene surfaces. Substantial reductions (up to 97%) in bacterial adhesion levels were achieved with all copolymers tested, irrespective of the PPO or PEO block lengths. It appears likely that such treatments create a sterically stabilized surface with adsorbed PEO chains, conferring nonspecific anti-adhesive properties which can limit bacterial attachment.
Bridgett
M J
MJ
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, UK.
Davies
M C
MC
Denyer
S P
SP
D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008422:Materials Testing; D011060:Poloxalene; D011137:Polystyrenes; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011137:Polystyrenes; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D011060:Poloxalene