Microfluidic devices for studying growth and detachment of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms

Biomed Microdevices. 2008 Aug;10(4):489-98. doi: 10.1007/s10544-007-9157-0.

Abstract

Microfluidic devices were used to study the influences of hydrodynamics of local microenvironments on Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) biofilm formation and the effects of a poly(beta-1,6-N-acetyl glucosamine)-hydrolyzing enzyme (dispersin B) and/or an antibiotic (rifampicin) on the detachment of the biofilm. Elongated, monolayered biofilm morphologies were observed at high flow velocity and fluid shear locations whereas large clump-like, multilayered biofilm structures were produced at low flow velocity and fluid shear locations. Upon dispersin B treatment, most of the biofilm was detached from the microchannel surface. However, a trace amount of bacterial cells could not be removed from corner locations most likely due to the insufficient wall shear stress of the fluid at these locations. Dispersin B or rifampicin treatment was effective in delaying the dispersal behavior of bacterial cells, but could not completely remove the biofilm. Combined dynamic delivery of dispersin B and rifampicin was found to be effective for complete removal of the S. epidermidis biofilm.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylglucosamine / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacterial Adhesion / drug effects
  • Bacterial Adhesion / physiology*
  • Biofilms / drug effects
  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Buffers
  • Caseins / chemistry
  • Computer Simulation
  • Drug Interactions
  • Equipment Design / instrumentation
  • Glycoside Hydrolases / pharmacology
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Phosphates / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial / metabolism
  • Protein Hydrolysates / chemistry
  • Rifampin / pharmacology
  • Sodium Chloride / chemistry
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis / genetics
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis / growth & development*
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis / ultrastructure
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Buffers
  • Caseins
  • Phosphates
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial
  • Protein Hydrolysates
  • poly-N-acetyl glucosamine
  • trypticase-soy broth
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Glycoside Hydrolases
  • Acetylglucosamine
  • Rifampin