title: Evaluation of biofilm formation on nylon sutures removed from clinically noninfected eyes after cataract surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the presence of bacterial biofilm on nylon sutures removed from clinically noninfected eyes after cataract surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sutures were removed from 10 eyes after cataract surgery at different time periods. Immediately after removal, the sutures were fixed and dehydrated. All sutures were viewed by scanning electron microscopy, and 6 were also viewed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no evidence of bacterial biofilm formation on the nylon sutures. Significant cellular debris was seen, mainly at the knots. Clusters of coccoid-shaped structures were visible; however, examination by TEM showed they were not bacteria.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was no evidence of biofilm formation on sutures removed after cataract surgery from clinically noninfected eyes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433, Singapore. james_pan@ttsh.com.sg
authors.forename: James C H
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Boon-Harn
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Han-Bor
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Fam
authors.forename: Mary M L
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Ng
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009757:Nylons; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D013537:Sutures / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D009757:Nylons