title: Evidence for degradation of synthetic polyurethanes by Staphylococcus epidermidis.
abstract: The survival of Staphylococcus epidermidis strain KH 11 in the presence of synthetic high molecular polyurethanes was prolonged in comparison to control experiments performed in the absence of any nutrients. Investigations of the bacteria after contact with the polymers revealed changes in their surface properties and metabolism, in particular a marked induction of urease activity. ESCA (Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis) measurements detected a decrease in elementary nitrogen in the polyurethane surfaces after incubation with the bacteria. The alterations observed indicate an urease-induced degradation of synthetic polymers by Staphylococcus epidermidis KH 11.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Cologne.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jansen
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schumacher-Perdreau
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pulverer
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000372:Agglutination Tests; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004790:Enzyme Induction; D006801:Humans; D011108:Polymers; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000378:metabolism*; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013499:Surface Properties; D014510:Urease / Q000096:biosynthesis
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D011108:Polymers; D011140:Polyurethanes; D014510:Urease