Effect of Alternating Electrical Current on Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Staphylococcus Aureus Biofilms Formation Potential

Abstract

Introduction : Bacterial biofilms is a major problem indisinfection of health care centers. Studies show that the current electric field greatly increases the efficacy of the antibacterial agentson biofilms. There are little researches on the effects of alternating current on the bacterial growth and biofilm formation.The aim of the study was to investigate in- vitro bioelectric effect of alternating current on biofilm formation potential. Methods: Electric field strengths of 6 and 10 V/cm 2 at frequencies of 1, 5, 10 and 20 MHz were applied continuously during lag phase of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29213 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. First, McFarland suspension was prepared, then changes in bacterial biofilm formation were investigated by the microtiter plate method. Results: The alternating current at the low voltage and high frequency (10 V/cm 2 at 20MHz) reduced the biofilm formation potential of S. aureus ATCC29213 (Strong to moderate) and P. aeruginosa PAO1 (moderate to weak) effectively. Conclusion: The study showed the efficacy of alternating current on bacterial infection prevention and removal, thus it is suggeted to investigate new alternating current patterns for increasing the efficacy of antibacterial and microbial agents against biofilms.