Aim: Study processes of microbial colonization and persistence of microorganisms in polymer materials for medical use.
Materials and methods: Samples (1 x 1 cm plates) of polymer plastics for production of removable dental prosthesis based on polyurethane and acryl were used, that were incubated with clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeuruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus in Luria-Bertani broth nutrient media for 24, 48 hours and 7, 14 days and for 1, 5 and 3 months at a temperature of 37 degrees C. Dynamics of interaction process of microorganisms with polymer materials were studied using scanning electron microscope Quanta 200 3D (FEI Company, USA). The samples were fixated after incubation with 10% of neutral formaldehyde, dehydration with alcohols or acetone, typical for SEM, was not carried out, that allowed to conserve the native structure of the samples, including exo-cell matrix of biofilms.
Results: Electron-microscopical data on stages of interaction of bacteria with the surface of medical plastics were obtained. Biofilms were shown to be formed on abiotic surfaces and biodestructive changes of plastics appeared. A question on the possibility of prolonged persistence of pathogenic for human microorganisms in artificial prosthesis is discussed.
Conclusion: The developed experimental model of formation of biofilm on abiotic surfaces could be the basis for carrying out studies directed on the fight with biofilms, by using SEM.