Poloxamer 407 as a bacterial adhesive for hydrogel contact lenses.

Bacterial adherence and colonization of biomedical prosthetic implants is one of the main causes for implant withdrawal. The abhesive (anti-adhesive) effect of poloxamer 407 on several Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains and the site of action of its effect have been investigated. Poloxamer 407 significantly inhibited 92-99% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa adherence to hydrophilic contact lenses (P < .05). This adherence inhibition was concentration-dependent. A reduction of about 50-60% was obtained for Staphylococcus strains, and 50-70% for Gram-negative strains other than Pseudomonas. The poloxamer seems to act on the bacteria surface, but not on the contact lens surface. Poloxamer 407 could potentially prevent implant-related infections and keratitis associated with contact lens wear, by inhibiting bacterial adherence onto the implant or contact lens surface.