Abstract
Abstract Shunt-valves made of silicone rubber are placed between the trachea and the oesophagus in order to allow patients after laryngectomy to produce voice again. The oesophageal side of the shunt-valve, however, becomes rapidly colonized by a biofilm, consisting of bacteria and yeasts. Electron microscopy on explanted shunt-valves demonstrates that the yeast show ingrowth into the silicone rubber. Surface treatment of the silicone rubber is often suggested to be a pathway to reduce adhesion and ingrowth of yeasts to prostheses. An effective development of such a treatment requires an in vitro system by which similar defects as found in vivo can be created under laboratory conditions. Candida tropicalis , isolated from an explanted prosthesis, could be made to grow into the silicone rubber under laboratory conditions by the removal of all nutrients using a modified Robbins device. After the removal of all nutrients, the yeast cells adapted a filamentous growth form. Only filamentously growing yeasts appeared to be able to penetrate the silicone rubber.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
