Composition of artificial tear solution affects in vitro Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation on silicone hydrogel lens.

PURPOSE

To investigate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation on silicone hydrogel contact lens in various artificial tears.

METHODS

P. aeruginosa was cocultured with contact lenses (Senofilcon A, Acuvue Oasys Hydraclear plus(®); Johnson & Johnson, Jacksonville, FL) in artificial tears containing hyaluronic acid (HA) (0.3%, 0.1%, or 0.1%+benzalkonium chloride) or carboxymethylcellulose (0.5% or 0.3%+dextran). P. aeruginosa biofilm was stained with crystal violet (0.1%) after 48 h of incubation. The optical density of the dissolved biofilm was measured by a spectrophotometer at 570 nm and was compared.

RESULTS

P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in 3 solutions (0.3% HA, 0.1% HA+benzalkonium chloride and 0.3% carboxymethylcellulose+dextran) was significantly decreased compared to the other 2 solutions (0.1% HA and 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose) (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

P. aeruginosa biofilm formation on silicone hydrogel contact lens was affected by the composition of artificial tears. A higher concentration of HA and addition of benzalkonium chloride or dextran in artificial tears were helpful to prevent P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.