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Gentian Violet and Ferric Ammonium Citrate Disrupt Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilms
Author(s) -
Wang Eric W.,
Agostini Gabriela,
Olomu Osarenoma,
Runco Daniel,
Jung Jae Y.,
Chole Richard A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/mlg.0b013e3181826e24
Subject(s) - biofilm , pseudomonas aeruginosa , microbiology and biotechnology , strain (injury) , ciprofloxacin , bacteria , chemistry , antibiotics , biology , anatomy , genetics
Objective/Hypothesis: Bacterial biofilms are resistant to antibiotics and may contribute to persistent infections including chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma. Discovery of substances to disrupt biofilms is necessary to treat these chronic infections. Gentian violet (GV) and ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) were tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms to determine if either substance can reduce biofilm volume. Study Design: The biofilm volume and planktonic growth of PAO1 and otopathogenic P. aeruginosa (OPPA8) isolated from an infected cholesteatoma was measured in the presence of GV or FAC. Methods: OPPA8 and PAO1 expressing a green fluorescent protein plasmid (pMRP9‐1) was inoculated into a glass flow chamber. Biofilms were grown under low flow conditions for 48 hours and subsequently exposed to either GV or FAC for an additional 24 hours. Biofilm formation was visualized by confocal laser microscopy and biofilm volume was assayed by measuring fluorescence. Planktonic cultures were grown under standard conditions with GV or FAC. Statistical analysis was performed by Student t test and one‐way ANOVA. Results: GV reduced PAO1 and OPPA8 biofilm volume ( P < .01). GV delayed the onset and rate of logarithmic growth in both strains. FAC reduced OPPA8 biofilm volume ( P < .01), but did not effect of PAO1 biofilms. FAC had no effect on planktonic growth. Conclusions: The efficacy of GV in disrupting biofilms in vitro suggests that it may disrupt biofilms in vivo. The effect of FAC on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms is strain dependent. Strain differences in response to increasing iron concentration and biofilm morphology stress the importance of studying clinically isolated strains in testing antibiofilm agents.