Development of a mixed ‐species biofilm model and its virulence implications in device related infections

This study reports the development of a simple mixed‐species biofilm model using strains of two clinically significant bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown on nanoporous polycarbonate membranes on nutrient agar support. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the complex biofilm characteristics of two bacteria blending in extensive extracellular matrices. Using a prototype wound dressing which detects cytolytic virulence factors, the virulence secretion of 30 single and 40 mixed‐species biofilms was tested. P. aeruginosa was seen to out‐compete S. aureus, resulting in a biofilm with P. aeruginosa dominating. In situ growth of mixed‐species biofilm under prototype dressings showed a real‐time correlation between the viable biofilm population and their associated virulence factors, as seen by dressing fluorescent assay. This paper aims to provide a protocol for scientists working in the field of device related infection to create mixed‐species biofilms and demonstrate that such biofilms are persistently more virulent in real infections. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018.
Source: Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials - Category: Materials Science Authors: Tags: Original Research Report Source Type: research