Polymeric synthetic materials as basis for biofilm formation by staphylococci

Aim. To study and compare the features of formation of biofilms S. aureus and S. epidermidis on synthetic materials from polyvinylchloride and polystyrene.

Materials and methods. In the experiments, S. aureus and S. epidermidis strains as well as polymeric synthetic materials were used. Expression of biofilm formation of these strains on polystyrene and polyvinylchloride was studied. Biofilm formation was determined in sterile flat-bottomed tablets. Into a part of tablet holes, pieces of polyvinylchloride measuring 5×5×1 mm were placed. They were cultivated at the temperature 37 ºC for 24–48 hours.

Results. On polyvinylchloride, biofilm-forming ability of staphylococci was practically absent. S. aureus is more active in formation of biofilms as compared with S. epidermidis. As incubation period is increased, S. aureus elevates biofilm-forming activity but S. epidermidis does not.

Conclusions. It was established that one and the same microorganisms are different in manifestation of biofilm-forming activity on polystyrene and polyvinylchloride that can be conditioned by various chemical structure of these materials.