BACTERIAL ADHESION TO PLASTIC POLYMERS Paola Giovanna Falasca Galutti, Henrique Takaaki Tamoto, Priscila Reina Siliano

Abstract

Plastics, rubbers and fibers form the three major groups of synthetic polymers, differing in the way they respond when subjected to force or tension, among other characteristics, giving them their mechanical properties. Microorganisms can adhere to these surfaces and initiate cell growth, consequently forming a mass of microbial cells and residues formed by them, called biofilm. The present study aimed to analyze whether plastic polymeric materials used in science laboratories present different behaviors in relation to microbial adhesion and whether there is a possibility of efficient chemical disinfection for the contaminated material. Bacterial cultures found in the bacteriotheque of the Biology Laboratory of the Santo André Foundation University Center were used: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Samples of plastic polymers from different origins used in the laboratory were used: high (AD) and low (BD) density polystyrene, polyethylene and polypropylene, and in the disinfection test different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite solution were used. As a result, both bacteria adhered to all polymers tested, and all concentrations of sodium hypochlorite were efficient as bactericidal agents. It is concluded that materials used in the laboratory can provide excellent surfaces for bacterial adhesion, and they need to be properly sanitized so that tests with the instruments performed are not interfered with by bacterial biofilms adhered to them through constant use.