Use of the modified Robbins device to study the in vitro biofilm removal efficacy of NitrAdine, a novel disinfecting formula for the maintenance of oral medical devices.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of the modified Robbins device (MRD) to test disinfection strategies against biofilms that form on oral medical devices and to test the biofilm removal efficacy of NitrAdine, a disinfectant for the maintenance of oral medical devices.


RESULTS
Biofilms were grown on discs using the MRD and biofilms formed in this system were used to evaluate the efficacy of NitrAdine and to determine the optimal disinfection conditions. Our data indicate that the use of the MRD allows for the rapid and reproducible formation of high-density biofilms. Determination of the efficacy of NitrAdine revealed high activity against biofilms tested (e.g. >3 log reduction for Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus) and allowed the determination of the optimal conditions for its use.


CONCLUSIONS
The high reproducibility and flexibility of the MRD make it an excellent candidate for standardized testing of disinfectants aimed at reducing biofilms on oral medical devices. Using this system, we were able to demonstrate that NitrAdine exhibits high activity against biofilms formed by the micro-organisms tested.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that our procedure is appropriate for standardized testing of disinfectants aimed at reducing biofilms on oral medical devices.
Coenye
T
T
Laboratorium voor Farmaceutische Microbiologie, Universiteit Gent, Gent, Belgium. Tom.Coenye@UGent.be
De Prijck
K
K
De Wever
B
B
Nelis
H J
HJ
D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects; D003820:Denture Cleansers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010933:Plankton / Q000187:drug effects
D003820:Denture Cleansers; D004202:Disinfectants