[Effect of bioceramics on biological activity of microorganisms].
OBJECTIVE
Biomaterials that come into contact with microorganisms in the middle ear or paranasal sinuses should be tested before clinical application. Thus, it is necessary to test the influence exerted on bacterial growth by biomaterials used as bone substitutes in head and neck surgery before implantation.


METHODS
In this study, Bioverit, Al2O3 ceramic, and glass carbon were subjected to contamination with typical microorganisms in the middle ear and paranasal sinuses such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and salivarius, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Candida albicans.


RESULTS
In the suspension test, all gram-negative species were inhibited, but gram-positive microorganisms and Candida albicans were not affected. The Al2O3 ceramic showed the largest inhibition effect while growth inhibition of glass carbon was low. Streptococcus pneumoniae and salivarius can use glass carbon as a nutrient. In contrast, Bioverit and Al2O3 ceramic could not improve the growth of all tested microorganisms.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, we think that Bioverit is suitable for implantation in bacterially contaminated regions of the head and neck, whereas glass carbon is unsuitable for this application in reconstructive surgery.
Koscielny
S
S
HNO-Klinik der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Lessingstrasse 2, 07740 Jena. Sven.Koscielny@med.uni-jena.de
Beleites
E
E
D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development*; D018441:Biofilms; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012307:Risk Factors; D019291:Skull Base / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000382:microbiology*
D000537:Aluminum Oxide