Adhesion of bacteria to liquid-infused silicone surfaces. Bacteria

In this project, we have studied the adhesion properties of pathogenic bacterial strains that are clinically most relevant for recurrent acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion, namely: S. aureus, M. catarrhalis, S. pneumonia, H. influenzae, and P. aeruginosa. These five bacterial strains were isolated from patients examined at the Mass Eye and Ear hospital. The goal of the project was to demonstrate drastically reduced` adhesion of the above-mentioned planktonic bacteria and biofilms to oil-infused silicone surfaces as compared to their non-oil-infused analogs, which show a significant bacterial overgrowth. The results of this study will help evaluate the clinical potential of novel oil-infused silicone surfaces in the prevention of tympanostomy tube otorrhea (discharge from the middle ear).