O uso de metais na fabricação de implantes ortopédicos iniciou-se nas primeiras décadas do século XX. O aumento do uso de biomateriais implantáveis aumentam também os casos de infecção. A colonização da superfície do biomaterial pode ter início no momento da inserção do corpo estranho no organismo e geralmente é causada por microrganismos da microbiota da pele ou região adjacente ao implante. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar por métodos microbiológicos e microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV), a aderência bacteriana à superfície de aço inoxidável e liga de titânio de uso médico, bem como a molhabilidade da superfície destes metais. As bactérias usadas foram Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 e Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Os discos de aço inoxidável (15,0 mm de diâmetro x 2,0 mm de espessura) e de liga de titânio (12,0 mm de diâmetro x 2,0 mm de espessura) foram inseridos, asséptica e separadamente, em tubos contendo 15,0 mL de caldo Mueller Hinton e 200,0 \'mü\'L de suspensão bacteriana da ordem de \'10 POT.8\' UFC/mL. Cada bactéria foi estudada individualmente. Os tubos foram incubados por 1, 6, 24, 48 e 72 horas sob agitação a 37 graus Celsius. Após os períodos de incubação, os discos foram retirados do caldo de cultura e submetidos ao banho de ultrassom em 5,0 mL de solução fisiológica 0,85% esterilizada. Deste líquido, foram realizadas diluições da ordem de \'10 POT.-1\' a \'10 POT.-4\' para a quantificação de células viáveis. Os valores foram expressos em UFC/mL. Para S. epidermidis sobre a liga de titânio, o número de células viáveis foi em 1 hora: 7,20 x \'10 POT.4\'; 6 horas: 3,90 x \'10 POT.6\'; 24 horas: 3,80 x \'10 POT.6\'; 48 horas: 9,70 x \'10 POT.6\' e 72 horas: 1,00 x \'10 POT.7\'. Sobre o aço inoxidável, o número de células viáveis foi em 1 hora: 3,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 horas: 2,90 x \'10 POT.6\'; 24 horas: 3,20 x \'10 POT.6\'; 48 horas: 1,41 x \'10 POT.7\' e 72 horas: 1,88 x \'10 POT.7\'. Para S. aureus ) sobre a liga de titânio, o número de células viáveis foi em 1 hora: 2,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 horas: 1,00 x \'10 POT.4\'; 24 horas: 3,10 x \'10 POT.4\'; 48 horas: 4,30 x \'10 POT.4\' e 72 horas: 5,80 x \'10 POT.3\'. Sobre o aço inoxidável, o número de células viáveis foi em 1 hora: 6,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 horas: 2,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 24 horas: 1,50 x \'10 POT.4\'; 48 horas: 3,20 x \'10 POT.5\' e 72 horas: 6,00 x \'10 POT.3\'. Ambas as superfícies metálicas foram caracterizadas como de média molhabilidade, onde a liga de titânio teve média \'+ OU -\' desvio padrão de 39,016 \'+ OU -\' 11,267 e o aço inoxidável 58,083 \'+ OU -\' 7,165. Tanto o S. aureus quanto o S. epidermidis aderiram às superfícies dos biomateriais estudados, como foi observado por meio de MEV. Com base nos resultados é possível concluir que os dois microrganismos são capazes de aderir a superfícies metálicas. Isto aumenta a preocupação quanto à patogênese das infecções relacionadas a implantes ortopédicos, uma vez que esses microrganismos estão presentes na pele humana e oferecem o risco de reações inflamatórias e infecção, promovendo a perda do implante para efetivar a cura. / The utilization of metals in the manufacture of orthopedic implants started in first decades of twentieth century. The increased use of implantable biomaterials increased also infection cases. Biomaterial surface colonization can start at the moment of foreign body insertion in the organism and is usually caused by microorganisms of skin microbiota or adjacent region to the implant. This study aimed to evaluate microbiological methods and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the bacterial adhesion to surface of stainless steel and titanium alloy of medical use, as well as the surface wetability of these metals. The used bacteria were Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The stainless steel (15,0 mm diameter x 2,0 mm thick) and titanium alloy (12,0 mm diameter x 2,0 mm thick) discs were inserted, aseptic and individually, into tubes containing 15,0 mL Mueller Hinton broth and 200,0 \'mü\'L of bacterial suspension with \'10 POT.8\' CFU/mL concentration. Each bacterium was individually studied. The tubes were incubated for 1, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours under agitation at 37 Celsius degrees. After incubation periods, the discs were removed from culture broth and submitted to the ultrasound bath in 5,0 mL of sterile saline. From this liquid were realized dilutions of \'10 POT.-1\' to \'10 POT.-4\' to quantify the viable cells. Values were expressed in CFU/mL. S. epidermidis over titanium alloy viable cells number was in 1 hour: 7,20 x \'10POT.4\'; 6 hours: 3,90 x \'10 POT.6\'; 24 hours: 3,80 x \'10 POT.6\'; 48 hours: 9,70 x \'10 POT.6\' and 72 hours: 1,00 x \'10 POT.7\'. Over stainless steel viable cells number was in 1 hour: 3,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 hours: 2,90 x \'10 POT.6\'; 24 hours: 3,20 x \'10 POT.6\'; 48 hours: 1,41 x \'10 POT.7\' and 72 hours: 1,88 x \'10 POT.7\'. To S. aureus over titanium alloy viable cells number was in 1 hour: 2,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 hours: 1,00 x \'10 POT.4\'; 24 hours: 3,10 x \'10 POT.4\'; 48 hours: 4,30 x \'10 POT.4\' and 72 hours: 5,80 x \'10 POT.3\' and over stainless steel viable cells number was in 1 hour: 6,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 hours: 2,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 24 hours: 1,50 x \'10 POT.4\'; 48 hours: 3,20 x \'10 POT.5\' and 72 hours: 6,00 x \'10 POT.3\'. Both metal surfaces were characterized as medium wetability, where the contact angle of titanium alloy was mean \'+ OU -\' standard deviation 39,016 \'+ OU -\' 11,267 and stainless steel 58,083 \'+ OU -\' 7,165. Both S. aureus as S. epidermidis adhered to surfaces of biomaterials studied, as observed by SEM. Based on the results we concluded that two microorganisms are able to adhere to metal surfaces. This increases the concern about the pathogenesis of infections related to orthopedic implants, since these microorganisms are present in human skin and provide the risk of infection and inflammatory reactions, furthering implant loss to effective cure.

A infecção bacteriana é a principal complicação que um procedimento de artroplastia de quadril ou joelho pode apresentar. Mesmo após a incorporação de antibiótico (gentamicina) ao cimento ósseo, as taxas de infecções após este procedimento cirúrgico continuam gerando sérios prejuízos para o hospital e para o paciente. As principais bactérias envolvidas nas infecções relacionadas aos implantes ortopédicos são Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus e Staphylococcus epidermidis. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a aderência e formação de biofilme de S. aureus, S. epidermidis e P. aeruginosa sobre o cimento ósseo polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) com e sem antibiótico (gentamicina), de procedência nacional e internacional, por meio de microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV) e por cultura. Também, estimar quantitativamente as células viáveis recuperadas dos biofilmes formados. Foram produzidos discos de polimetilmetacrilato de 10,0 mm de diâmetro e 3,0 mm de espessura. Foram utilizadas cepas Pseudomonas aeruginosa - ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus epidermidis - ATCC 12228 e Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 25932. Para este estudo foram utilizados corpos-de-prova de cimento ósseo de procedência nacional (BAUMER, CMM e BIOMECANICA) e internacional (BIOMET com gentamicina, BIOMET sem gentamicina e SIMPLEX). Biofilmes foram produzidos in vitro a partir da inoculação da suspensão bacteriana (\'10 POT.8\' unidades formadoras de colônia/mL) em Tryptic Soy Broth e incubados nos períodos de tempo de 1, 6, 24, 48, e 72 horas. Após os períodos de incubação os corpos-de-prova foram removidos do meio de cultura, lavados, sonicados e do sobrenadante realizadas diluições seriadas (\'10 POT.-1\' a \'10 POT.-5\'). A seguir, os corpos-de-prova foram preparados para observação por MEV. Os resultados de MEV mostraram bacilos e cocos aderidos e agrupados formando biofilme. Para P. aeruginosa: as contagens das células viáveis em média (UFC/mL) foram de 2,8 \'+ OU -\' 1,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,9 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,6 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 6,0 \'+ OU -\' 5,5 x \'10 POT.4\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,9 \'+ OU -\' 0,9 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX); para S. epidermidis: 1,3 \'+ OU -\' 0,1 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,2 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 2,3 \'+ OU -\' 1,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,2 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,2 \'+ OU -\' 0,1 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX); para S. aureus: 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,8 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,6 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 1,4 \'+ OU -\' 0,6 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,1 \'+ OU -\' 0,5 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 3,0 \'+ OU -\' 6,0 x \'10 POT.5\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,3 \'+ OU -\' 0,6 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX), respectivamente. Os dados obtidos mostraram que o cimento ósseo de polimetilmetacrilato com e sem gentamicina não evitaram a aderência da Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis e Staphylococcus aureus e formação de biofilme, como demonstrado pela MEV. Em conclusão, isto é um fator de risco para infecções. / The bacterial infection is the main complication of a procedure for hip or knee arthroplasty can present. Even after the addition of antibiotic (gentamicin) in the bone cement, the rates of infection after the surgical procedure continue causing serious damage to the hospital and the patient. The main bacteria involved in infections related to orthopedic implants are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adhesion and biolfilm formation of the S. aureus, S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa on the bone cement polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) with and without antibiotic (gentamicin) from national and international origin, by means scanning electron microscope (SEM) and by culture. Also, quantitatively estimate the viable cells recovered from biofilms formed. Discs of cement were produced from 10.0 mm in diameter and 3.0 mm thick. Strains used were Pseudomonas aeruginosa - ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus epidermidis - ATCC 12228 e Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 25932. For this study we used coupons cement of national origin (Baumer, CMM and biomechanics) and international (BIOMET with gentamicin, BIOMET without gentamicin and SIMPLEX). Biofilms were produced in vitro from the inoculation of bacterial suspension (108 Colony-Forming Units/mL) in Tryptic Soy Broth and incubated for the time periods of 1, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours. After the incubation periods of the coupons they were removed from the medium culture, washed, sonicated and serial dilutions of supernatant taken (\'10 POT.-1\' a \'10 POT.-5\'). Next, the coupons were prepared for observation by SEM. The results of SEM showed adherent cocci bacilli, and adhered to each other form a biofilm. For P. aeruginosa: the couting of viable cells on average (CFU/mL) were 2,8 \'+ OU -\' 1,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,9 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,6 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 6,0 \'+ OU -\' 5,5 x \'10 POT.4\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,9 \'+ OU -\' 0,9 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX); para S. epidermidis: 1,3 \'+ OU -\' 0,1 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,2 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 2,3 \'+ OU -\' 1,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,2 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,2 \'+ OU -\' 0,1 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX); para S. aureus: 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,8 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,6 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 1,4 \'+ OU -\' 0,6 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,1 \'+ OU -\' 0,5 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 3,0 \'+ OU -\' 6,0 x \'10 POT.5\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,3 \'+ OU -\' 0,6 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX), respectively. The data showed that of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement with and without gentamicin did not prevent the adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus and formation of biofilms, as demonstrated by SEM. In conclusion, this is risk factor for infections.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:13:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MichelleMA_DISSERT.pdf: 2721160 bytes, checksum: a6cf87e66222fcde35f5dcad4d548b9d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-08-05 / This laboratory study involves the participation of a group with professionals from different areas that had contributed to the construction of a multidisciplinary knowledge, about biological response of titanium surfaces modified through thermochemical treatment by plasma. Thus, the crystalline phase was previously characterized in relation to the topography, roughness, molhability and nitrogen concentration in the samples surface. It s indispensable that materials implanted can influence in a good cellular response as well as promotes a bacteria action. Surfaces modified by plasma were exposed to different cultures such as: cellular (human osteoblastic) and bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC35984 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) in order to evaluate the biological response. It was evaluated the adhesion, proliferation, morphology and cellular preference of human ostheoblastic cells (HOST), as well as the formation of a biofilm and bacteria proliferation. It was still analyzed the bacteria selectivity ability in relation to the surfaces. The software Image Pro Plus was used to the counting of cells and bacteria adhered to the surface of disks. The results were submitted to the variance analysis (ANOVA), and then, by the Kruskal-Wallis test, using GraphPad Instat ? software, version 3.5 to Windows. The nitrided samples in spite of show a higher roughness and molhability showed a smaller bacteria growing and higher cellular proliferation, when compared to non treated samples, indicating that the treated material present a high efficiency to biomedical implants / Este estudo laboratorial envolveu a participa??o de um grupo de profissionais de ?reas distintas, as quais contribu?ram na constru??o de um conhecimento multidisciplinar, acerca da resposta biol?gica de superf?cies de tit?nio modificadas por tratamento termoqu?mico a plasma. Para tanto, uma avalia??o da an?lise de fase cristalina, topografia, rugosidade, molhabilidade e concentra??o de nitrog?nio nas superf?cies das amostras foram previamente determinadas. ? imprescind?vel que materiais implant?veis influenciem uma boa resposta celular como tamb?m proporcionem uma a??o bacteriost?tica. Com o intuito de avaliar a resposta biol?gica, superf?cies modificadas por plasma foram expostas as seguintes culturas: celular (osteoblasto humano) e bacteriano (Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC35984 e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853). Avaliou-se a ades?o, prolifera??o, morfologia e prefer?ncia de c?lulas osteobl?sticas humanas (HOST) bem como a forma??o de biofilme e prolifera??o bacteriana. Analisou-se, ainda, a capacidade de seletividade de superf?cie pelas bact?rias. O software Image Pro Plus foi utilizado para contagem das c?lulas e bact?rias aderidas ? superf?cie dos discos. Os resultados foram submetidos ? an?lise de vari?ncia (ANOVA), seguido pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis, utilizando o GraphPad Instat ?, vers?o 3.5 para Windows. As amostras nitretadas apesar de apresentarem uma maior rugosidade e molhabilidade, quando comparadas com as amostras n?o tratadas, tiveram um menor crescimento bacteriano e uma maior prolifera??o celular. Indicando que o material tratado possui uma alta efici?ncia para implantes biom?dicos

O uso de metais na fabricação de implantes ortopédicos iniciou-se nas primeiras décadas do século XX. O aumento do uso de biomateriais implantáveis aumentam também os casos de infecção. A colonização da superfície do biomaterial pode ter início no momento da inserção do corpo estranho no organismo e geralmente é causada por microrganismos da microbiota da pele ou região adjacente ao implante. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar por métodos microbiológicos e microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV), a aderência bacteriana à superfície de aço inoxidável e liga de titânio de uso médico, bem como a molhabilidade da superfície destes metais. As bactérias usadas foram Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 e Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Os discos de aço inoxidável (15,0 mm de diâmetro x 2,0 mm de espessura) e de liga de titânio (12,0 mm de diâmetro x 2,0 mm de espessura) foram inseridos, asséptica e separadamente, em tubos contendo 15,0 mL de caldo Mueller Hinton e 200,0 \'mü\'L de suspensão bacteriana da ordem de \'10 POT.8\' UFC/mL. Cada bactéria foi estudada individualmente. Os tubos foram incubados por 1, 6, 24, 48 e 72 horas sob agitação a 37 graus Celsius. Após os períodos de incubação, os discos foram retirados do caldo de cultura e submetidos ao banho de ultrassom em 5,0 mL de solução fisiológica 0,85% esterilizada. Deste líquido, foram realizadas diluições da ordem de \'10 POT.-1\' a \'10 POT.-4\' para a quantificação de células viáveis. Os valores foram expressos em UFC/mL. Para S. epidermidis sobre a liga de titânio, o número de células viáveis foi em 1 hora: 7,20 x \'10 POT.4\'; 6 horas: 3,90 x \'10 POT.6\'; 24 horas: 3,80 x \'10 POT.6\'; 48 horas: 9,70 x \'10 POT.6\' e 72 horas: 1,00 x \'10 POT.7\'. Sobre o aço inoxidável, o número de células viáveis foi em 1 hora: 3,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 horas: 2,90 x \'10 POT.6\'; 24 horas: 3,20 x \'10 POT.6\'; 48 horas: 1,41 x \'10 POT.7\' e 72 horas: 1,88 x \'10 POT.7\'. Para S. aureus ) sobre a liga de titânio, o número de células viáveis foi em 1 hora: 2,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 horas: 1,00 x \'10 POT.4\'; 24 horas: 3,10 x \'10 POT.4\'; 48 horas: 4,30 x \'10 POT.4\' e 72 horas: 5,80 x \'10 POT.3\'. Sobre o aço inoxidável, o número de células viáveis foi em 1 hora: 6,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 horas: 2,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 24 horas: 1,50 x \'10 POT.4\'; 48 horas: 3,20 x \'10 POT.5\' e 72 horas: 6,00 x \'10 POT.3\'. Ambas as superfícies metálicas foram caracterizadas como de média molhabilidade, onde a liga de titânio teve média \'+ OU -\' desvio padrão de 39,016 \'+ OU -\' 11,267 e o aço inoxidável 58,083 \'+ OU -\' 7,165. Tanto o S. aureus quanto o S. epidermidis aderiram às superfícies dos biomateriais estudados, como foi observado por meio de MEV. Com base nos resultados é possível concluir que os dois microrganismos são capazes de aderir a superfícies metálicas. Isto aumenta a preocupação quanto à patogênese das infecções relacionadas a implantes ortopédicos, uma vez que esses microrganismos estão presentes na pele humana e oferecem o risco de reações inflamatórias e infecção, promovendo a perda do implante para efetivar a cura. / The utilization of metals in the manufacture of orthopedic implants started in first decades of twentieth century. The increased use of implantable biomaterials increased also infection cases. Biomaterial surface colonization can start at the moment of foreign body insertion in the organism and is usually caused by microorganisms of skin microbiota or adjacent region to the implant. This study aimed to evaluate microbiological methods and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the bacterial adhesion to surface of stainless steel and titanium alloy of medical use, as well as the surface wetability of these metals. The used bacteria were Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The stainless steel (15,0 mm diameter x 2,0 mm thick) and titanium alloy (12,0 mm diameter x 2,0 mm thick) discs were inserted, aseptic and individually, into tubes containing 15,0 mL Mueller Hinton broth and 200,0 \'mü\'L of bacterial suspension with \'10 POT.8\' CFU/mL concentration. Each bacterium was individually studied. The tubes were incubated for 1, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours under agitation at 37 Celsius degrees. After incubation periods, the discs were removed from culture broth and submitted to the ultrasound bath in 5,0 mL of sterile saline. From this liquid were realized dilutions of \'10 POT.-1\' to \'10 POT.-4\' to quantify the viable cells. Values were expressed in CFU/mL. S. epidermidis over titanium alloy viable cells number was in 1 hour: 7,20 x \'10POT.4\'; 6 hours: 3,90 x \'10 POT.6\'; 24 hours: 3,80 x \'10 POT.6\'; 48 hours: 9,70 x \'10 POT.6\' and 72 hours: 1,00 x \'10 POT.7\'. Over stainless steel viable cells number was in 1 hour: 3,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 hours: 2,90 x \'10 POT.6\'; 24 hours: 3,20 x \'10 POT.6\'; 48 hours: 1,41 x \'10 POT.7\' and 72 hours: 1,88 x \'10 POT.7\'. To S. aureus over titanium alloy viable cells number was in 1 hour: 2,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 hours: 1,00 x \'10 POT.4\'; 24 hours: 3,10 x \'10 POT.4\'; 48 hours: 4,30 x \'10 POT.4\' and 72 hours: 5,80 x \'10 POT.3\' and over stainless steel viable cells number was in 1 hour: 6,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 6 hours: 2,00 x \'10 POT.3\'; 24 hours: 1,50 x \'10 POT.4\'; 48 hours: 3,20 x \'10 POT.5\' and 72 hours: 6,00 x \'10 POT.3\'. Both metal surfaces were characterized as medium wetability, where the contact angle of titanium alloy was mean \'+ OU -\' standard deviation 39,016 \'+ OU -\' 11,267 and stainless steel 58,083 \'+ OU -\' 7,165. Both S. aureus as S. epidermidis adhered to surfaces of biomaterials studied, as observed by SEM. Based on the results we concluded that two microorganisms are able to adhere to metal surfaces. This increases the concern about the pathogenesis of infections related to orthopedic implants, since these microorganisms are present in human skin and provide the risk of infection and inflammatory reactions, furthering implant loss to effective cure.

A infecção bacteriana é a principal complicação que um procedimento de artroplastia de quadril ou joelho pode apresentar. Mesmo após a incorporação de antibiótico (gentamicina) ao cimento ósseo, as taxas de infecções após este procedimento cirúrgico continuam gerando sérios prejuízos para o hospital e para o paciente. As principais bactérias envolvidas nas infecções relacionadas aos implantes ortopédicos são Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus e Staphylococcus epidermidis. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a aderência e formação de biofilme de S. aureus, S. epidermidis e P. aeruginosa sobre o cimento ósseo polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) com e sem antibiótico (gentamicina), de procedência nacional e internacional, por meio de microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV) e por cultura. Também, estimar quantitativamente as células viáveis recuperadas dos biofilmes formados. Foram produzidos discos de polimetilmetacrilato de 10,0 mm de diâmetro e 3,0 mm de espessura. Foram utilizadas cepas Pseudomonas aeruginosa - ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus epidermidis - ATCC 12228 e Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 25932. Para este estudo foram utilizados corpos-de-prova de cimento ósseo de procedência nacional (BAUMER, CMM e BIOMECANICA) e internacional (BIOMET com gentamicina, BIOMET sem gentamicina e SIMPLEX). Biofilmes foram produzidos in vitro a partir da inoculação da suspensão bacteriana (\'10 POT.8\' unidades formadoras de colônia/mL) em Tryptic Soy Broth e incubados nos períodos de tempo de 1, 6, 24, 48, e 72 horas. Após os períodos de incubação os corpos-de-prova foram removidos do meio de cultura, lavados, sonicados e do sobrenadante realizadas diluições seriadas (\'10 POT.-1\' a \'10 POT.-5\'). A seguir, os corpos-de-prova foram preparados para observação por MEV. Os resultados de MEV mostraram bacilos e cocos aderidos e agrupados formando biofilme. Para P. aeruginosa: as contagens das células viáveis em média (UFC/mL) foram de 2,8 \'+ OU -\' 1,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,9 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,6 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 6,0 \'+ OU -\' 5,5 x \'10 POT.4\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,9 \'+ OU -\' 0,9 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX); para S. epidermidis: 1,3 \'+ OU -\' 0,1 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,2 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 2,3 \'+ OU -\' 1,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,2 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,2 \'+ OU -\' 0,1 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX); para S. aureus: 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,8 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,6 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 1,4 \'+ OU -\' 0,6 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,1 \'+ OU -\' 0,5 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 3,0 \'+ OU -\' 6,0 x \'10 POT.5\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,3 \'+ OU -\' 0,6 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX), respectivamente. Os dados obtidos mostraram que o cimento ósseo de polimetilmetacrilato com e sem gentamicina não evitaram a aderência da Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis e Staphylococcus aureus e formação de biofilme, como demonstrado pela MEV. Em conclusão, isto é um fator de risco para infecções. / The bacterial infection is the main complication of a procedure for hip or knee arthroplasty can present. Even after the addition of antibiotic (gentamicin) in the bone cement, the rates of infection after the surgical procedure continue causing serious damage to the hospital and the patient. The main bacteria involved in infections related to orthopedic implants are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adhesion and biolfilm formation of the S. aureus, S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa on the bone cement polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) with and without antibiotic (gentamicin) from national and international origin, by means scanning electron microscope (SEM) and by culture. Also, quantitatively estimate the viable cells recovered from biofilms formed. Discs of cement were produced from 10.0 mm in diameter and 3.0 mm thick. Strains used were Pseudomonas aeruginosa - ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus epidermidis - ATCC 12228 e Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 25932. For this study we used coupons cement of national origin (Baumer, CMM and biomechanics) and international (BIOMET with gentamicin, BIOMET without gentamicin and SIMPLEX). Biofilms were produced in vitro from the inoculation of bacterial suspension (108 Colony-Forming Units/mL) in Tryptic Soy Broth and incubated for the time periods of 1, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours. After the incubation periods of the coupons they were removed from the medium culture, washed, sonicated and serial dilutions of supernatant taken (\'10 POT.-1\' a \'10 POT.-5\'). Next, the coupons were prepared for observation by SEM. The results of SEM showed adherent cocci bacilli, and adhered to each other form a biofilm. For P. aeruginosa: the couting of viable cells on average (CFU/mL) were 2,8 \'+ OU -\' 1,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,9 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,6 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 6,0 \'+ OU -\' 5,5 x \'10 POT.4\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,9 \'+ OU -\' 0,9 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX); para S. epidermidis: 1,3 \'+ OU -\' 0,1 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,2 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 2,3 \'+ OU -\' 1,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 1,5 \'+ OU -\' 0,2 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,2 \'+ OU -\' 0,1 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX); para S. aureus: 1,7 \'+ OU -\' 0,8 x \'10 POT.6\' (BAUMER), 1,6 \'+ OU -\' 0,7 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMECANICA), 1,4 \'+ OU -\' 0,6 x \'10 POT.6\' (CMM), 1,1 \'+ OU -\' 0,5 x \'10 POT.6\' (BIOMET sem gentamicina), 3,0 \'+ OU -\' 6,0 x \'10 POT.5\' (BIOMET com gentamicina) e 1,3 \'+ OU -\' 0,6 x \'10 POT.6\' (SIMPLEX), respectively. The data showed that of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement with and without gentamicin did not prevent the adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus and formation of biofilms, as demonstrated by SEM. In conclusion, this is risk factor for infections.

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No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese - Milena Rodrigues Soares Mota.pdf: 10830184 bytes, checksum: b6f2977c2b749cd675523693c33de0ff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-25 / Não Informada / This study describes the therapeutic potential of extracts and standardized fractions of Arrabidaea chica leaves. A. chica is a Bignoniaceae popularly known as “crajiru”. The genus Arrabidaea occurs in Tropical America, from the Southern Mexico to the Southern Brazil. The red color of its dried leaves is attributed to two flavonoidal pigments: carajurina (main pigment) and carajurona. Chemical studies described the isolation of saponins and flavonoids from the plant leaves; purified 3- desoxyanthocyanidins were reported as anti-inflammatory. The infusion or decoction of the plant leaves is used in the folk medicine to treat anemia, inflammation and in skin wound-healing. In this work, the antimicrobial activity of the standardized extracts and fractions of A. chica cultivated at Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental, Manaus, were evaluated against fungal and bacterial microorganisms grown either from local domestic dogs and cats, or from human samples supplied by the Microorganism Collection of FIOCRUZ, in Manaus, Brazil. The plant dried leaves were extracted with increasing polarity solvents and progressively purified in preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) and silica-gel column; the semi-purified extracts were standardized in TLC. The agar diffusion method; bioautography; minimum inhibitory concentrations tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis (CBAM 293), Staphylococcus aureus (CBAM 324), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CBAM 232), Escherichia coli (CBAM 002), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (CFAM 1288), Microsporum canis (CFAM 1289), Malassezia pachydermatis (CFAM 1290) e Candida albicans (CFAM 1285). The standardized fractions were effective against all these microorganisms, but more intensively against Microsporum canis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The results might favour the use of the standardized sub-fractions of A. chica as topic phytotherapic agent to treat canine external otitis. So far oleanolic and ursolic acids were identified as the main compounds in the active semi-purified fraction but other compounds of the leaves extract were not discarded. Later studies will consider the veterinarian use of the standardized extract, of the active pure entities and the convenience of the natural active antibiotic mix. / Este estudo analisou o potencial terapêutico de extratos e frações purificadas da planta amazônica Arrabidaea chica visando seu uso tópico como medicamento e eficácia comprovada em doenças cutâneas. A. chica Verl., é uma Bignoniaceae conhecida popularmente como crajiru. O gênero Arrabidaea ocorre na América tropical, do sul do México ao sul do Brasil. A cor avermelhada da folha seca e sua propriedade tintorial são devidas a dois pigmentos flavonoídicos: a carajurina, que é o pigmento principal e a carajurona. Dela foram isolados saponinas e flavonóides; As 3-desoxiantocianidinas, descritas na planta parecem possuir atividade antiinflamatória. A medicina popular utiliza o decocto ou a infusão das folhas para tratar anemia, inflamações e na cicatrização da pele. Neste trabalho, a atividade antimicrobiana de extratos e frações padronizadas da A. chica cultivada na Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental, em Manaus/AM, foi avaliada contra fungos e bactérias de amostras clínicas coletadas de animais domésticos e contra amostras humanas depositadas na coleção de Microrganimos da FIOCRUZ, Manaus/AM. Para isso, as folhas secas da planta foram extraídas com solventes de polaridade crescente, as frações foram progressivamente purificadas em cromatografia de placa ou coluna de sílica-gel, os extratos semi-purificados foram padronizados em cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada à espectrometria de massas. Os testes de difusão em ágar, bioautografia e concentração inibitória mínima foram usados para avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana das subfrações padronizadas frente aos microrganismos Staphylococcus epidermidis (CBAM 293), Staphylococcus aureus (CBAM 324), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CBAM 232), Escherichia coli (CBAM 002), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (CFAM 1288), Microsporum canis (CFAM 1289), Malassezia pachydermatis (CFAM 1290) e Candida albicans (CFAM 1285). As frações padronizadas foram ativas contra todos esses microrganismos, com melhores resultados contra M. pachydermatis e S. epidermidis. Os resultados foram favoráveis à utilização das subfrações padronizadas na formulação de um produto fitoterápico para uso tópico em otite canina. Nas frações ativas foram identificados os ácidos oleanólico e ursólico. Estudos posteriores deverão avaliar a possibilidade de uso humano das frações purificadas ou dos compostos identificados.

The aim of this diploma thesis was to investigate the effect of surfactants and cosmetic polysaccharides on skin parameters and its microbiome. Three surfactants were tested to determine their effect: Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), Decylglucoside (DG). Distilled water was also used for comparison. For the next part of the experimental work were selected 6 polysaccharides: high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid (HMW HA), very low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid (VLMW HA), Sodium Caproyl Hyaluronate (CaproylHA), Sodium Carboxymethyl -Glucan (NaCMG), Schizophyllan and Glucomannan. For comparison, placebo and untreated control (only CAPB treatment) were also included in the tests. The first part of the work is a literature search on the assigned topic, which contains the following parts: skin anatomy and its biophysical properties, skin microbiome and its functions, description of used surfactants and polysaccharides. The experimental part is mainly focused on bioengineering methods for evaluation of skin parameters and qRT-PCR to determine the relative proportion of main bacterial species of skin microbiome. First, the effect on the CT gene of 16S rDNA was analysed, and Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains were selected for further analysis. In conclusion are presented an overview of all properties of selected substances and assessment of their application in cosmetics.

"Bacterial infections persist as a public threat due to the ease by which bacteria adapt to commonly used antibiotics. In addition, bacteria on surfaces develop protective communities called biofilms that hinder the ability of antibiotics to completely eliminate the pathogens. The rapid development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has made pharmaceutical companies reluctant to fund new antibiotics research. Hence, novel approaches to prevent and treat infections are needed. The development of infections can be divided into three steps: adhesion, invasion and multiplication. Antibiotics target at the latter two step and are prone to bacterial resistance as passive strategies. Bacterial adhesion to host cells/implanted medical devices is the first step leading to following invasion and multiplication. However, fundamental understanding of bacterial adhesion process is still lacking. The current studies are aimed to systematically investigate biological interactions between pathogenic bacteria and host cell, proteins and biomaterials with both macro and micro scale approaches. The macro scale methods include bacterial adhesion assay, viability studies, and thermodynamic modeling. The micro scale methods include direct adhesion force measurements, ultra surface visualization via atomic force microscopy (AFM) and surface structure modeling. Our work combines experiments and modeling aimed at understanding the initial steps of the bacterial adhesion process, focusing on two case studies: 1) Mechanisms by which cranberry can prevent urinary tract infections through interfering with bacterial adhesion; and 2) Design of anti-adhesive and antimicrobial coatings for biomaterials. We make direct adhesion force measurements between bacteria and substrates with an atomic force microscope (AFM), and combine such experiments with thermodynamic calculations, in order to develop a set of tools that allows for the prediction of whether bacteria will attach to a given surface. These fundamental investigations of the bacterial adhesion process help elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind bacterial adhesion, thus leading to improved clinical outcomes for a number of biomedical applications. "

O surgimento de cepas bacterianas resistentes a múltiplos fármacos impulsiona a busca por agentes antimicrobianos que possuem novos mecanismos de ação, incluindo compostos antivirulência. Apesar da ampla variedade de moléculas derivadas de química combinatória produzidas pela indústria farmacêutica, produtos naturais continuam a desempenhar um papel chave no desenvolvimento de fármacos. A seleção de plantas como fonte de compostos antimicrobianos é adequada do ponto de vista ecológico, uma vez que elas naturalmente produzem uma grande variedade de metabólitos secundários que atuam como defesa química contra micro-organismos no ambiente. Neste estudo, nós relatamos que miricetina (Myr), um flavonoide comum derivado de vegetais, frutas, nozes, frutas e chá, pode diminuir a produção de vários fatores de virulência de Staphylococcus aureus utilizando diferentes ensaios fenotípicos. Para explorar o mecanismo pelo qual Myr inibe a virulência de S. aureus, enquanto a sua forma glicosilada não, verificamos os níveis de expressão de genes relacionados à virulência e empregamos simulações de dinâmica molecular com enzimas cruciais no processo de patogênese. Além disso, Myr conferiu um grau significativo de proteção contra a infecção estafilocócica em modelo in vivo de Galleria mellonella. Outro foco deste estudo e com base em dados anteriores, o extrato de Harpochilus neesianus foi selecionado para o fracionamento bioguiado, uma vez que não há estudos fitoquímicos e de atividade biológica relatados na literatura para esta espécie. Utilizando o ensaio de proteinase e análises por MALDI-TOF, peptídeos foram identificados como os compostos bioativos, sendo então isolados por cromatografia em Sephadex G-50 e RPC18. Este estudo revela compostos derivados de plantas com um elevado potencial como protótipos antivirulência contra agentes bacterianos patogênicos e uma possível aplicação destes agentes na concepção de superfícies biomédicas anti-infectivas. / The emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains drives the search for antimicrobials possessing new modes of action, including antivirulence compounds. Despite the wide variety of molecules derived from combinatorial chemistry by the pharmaceutical industry, natural products still play a key role in the development of pharmaceuticals. The selection of plants as source of antimicrobial compounds is appropriate from the ecological standpoint, since they naturally produce a wide range of secondary metabolites that act as a chemical defense against microorganisms in the environment. In this study, we report that myricetin (Myr), a common flavonol derived from vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries and tea, can remarkably decrease the production of several Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors using different phenotypic assays. To explore the mechanism by which Myr inhibits S. aureus virulence, while its glycosylated form does not, we verified the relative expression levels of virulence related genes and employed molecular dynamics simulations with pivotal enzymes in pathogenesis process. Furthermore, Myr conferred a significant degree of protection against staphylococcal infection in Galleria mellonella in vivo model. In addition to this study and based on previous data, Harpochilus neesianus extract was selected for the bioguided fractionation, since no phytochemical studies and biological activity is reported in the literature for this species. By using proteinase assay and MALDI-TOF analyses, peptides were identified as bioactive compounds which were isolated by Sephadex G-50 and RP-C18. This study reveals plant-derived compounds with high potential as antivirulence prototypes against bacterial pathogens and a possible application of these agents in the design of anti-infective biomedical surfaces.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci, particularly Staphylococcus epidermidis, have been recognised as an important cause of health care-associated infections due to catheterisation, and livestock-associated infections. The colonisation of indwelling medical devices is achieved by the formation of biofilms, which are large cell-clusters surrounded by an extracellular matrix. This extracellular matrix consists mainly of PIA (polysaccharide intercellular adhesin), which is encoded by the icaADBC-operon. The importance of icaADBC in clinical strains provoking severe infections initiated numerous investigations of this operon and its regulation within the last two decades. The discovery of a long transcript being located next to icaADBC, downstream of the regulator gene icaR, led to the hypothesis of a possible involvement of this transcript in the regulation of biofilm formation (Eckart, 2006). Goal of this work was to characterise this transcript, named ncRNA IcaZ, in molecular detail and to uncover its functional role in S. epidermidis. The ~400 nt long IcaZ is specific for ica-positive S. epidermidis and is transcribed in early- and mid-exponential growth phase as primary transcript. The promotor sequence and the first nucleotides of icaZ overlap with the 3' UTR of the preceding icaR gene, whereas the terminator sequence is shared by tRNAThr-4, being located convergently to icaZ. Deletion of icaZ resulted in a macroscopic biofilm-negative phenotype with highly diminished PIA-biofilm. Biofilm composition was analysed in vitro by classical crystal violet assays and in vivo by confocal laser scanning microscopy under flow conditions to display biofilm formation in real-time. The mutant showed clear defects in initial adherence and decreased cell-cell adherence, and was therefore not able to form a proper biofilm under flow in contrast to the wildtype. Restoration of PIA upon providing icaZ complementation from plasmids revealed inconsistent results in the various mutant backgrounds. To uncover the functional role of IcaZ, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis was carried out, providing some hints on candidate targets, but the varying biofilm phenotypes of wildtype and icaZ mutants made it difficult to identify direct IcaZ mRNA targets. Pulse expression of icaZ was then used as direct fishing method and computational target predictions were executed with candidate mRNAs from aforesaid approaches. The combined data of these analyses suggested an involvement of icaR in IcaZ-mediated biofilm control. Therefore, RNA binding assays were established for IcaZ and icaR mRNA. A positive gel shift was maintained with icaR 3' UTR and with 5'/3' icaR mRNA fusion product, whereas no gel shift was obtained with icaA mRNA. From these assays, it was assumed that IcaZ regulates icaR mRNA expression in S. epidermidis. S. aureus instead lacks ncRNA IcaZ and its icaR mRNA was shown to undergo autoregulation under so far unknown circumstances by intra- or intermolecular binding of 5' UTR and 3' UTR (Ruiz de los Mozos et al., 2013). Here, the Shine-Dalgarno sequence is blocked through 5'/3' UTR base pairing and RNase III, an endoribonuclease, degrades icaR mRNA, leading to translational blockade. In this work, icaR mRNA autoregulation was therefore analysed experimentally in S. epidermidis and results showed that this specific autoregulation does not take place in this organism. An involvement of RNase III in the degradation process could not be verified here. GFP-reporter plasmids were generated to visualise the interaction, but have to be improved for further investigations. In conclusion, IcaZ was found to interact with icaR mRNA, thereby conceivably interfering with translation initiation of repressor IcaR, and thus to promote PIA synthesis and biofilm formation. In addition, the environmental factor ethanol was found to induce icaZ expression, while only weak or no effects were obtained with NaCl and glucose. Ethanol, actually is an ingredient of disinfectants in hospital settings and known as efficient effector for biofilm induction. As biofilm formation on medical devices is a critical factor hampering treatment of S. epidermidis infections in clinical care, the results of this thesis do not only contribute to better understanding of the complex network of biofilm regulation in staphylococci, but may also have practical relevance in the future. / Koagulase-negative Staphylokokken besiedeln die menschliche und tierische Haut, sowie die Schleimhäute. Durch Läsionen oder das Einbringen von medizinischen Instrumenten wie Kathetern gelangen sie in tiefere Hautschichten oder die Blutbahn und können dort schwerwiegende Infektionen auslösen, vor Allem bei Risikopersonen. Besonders Staphylococcus epidermidis hat sich als Verursacher von nosokomialen Infektionen, aber auch als Pathogen in der Tierhaltung etabliert. Die Bakterien bilden bei der Besiedlung sogenannte Biofilme aus (d.h. eine Akkumulation der Keime, die von einer extrazellulären Matrix umgeben sind). Diese Matrix besteht neben Proteinen und eDNA hauptsächlich aus einem Polysaccharid, dem interzellulären Adhäsin PIA (engl.: polysaccharide intercellular adhesin). Dieses wird durch die Ica-Proteine synthetisiert, die im icaADBC-Operon (engl.: intercellular adhesin operon) kodiert sind. Das Operon hat große Bedeutung in klinischen Stämmen und wurde daher innerhalb der letzten beiden Jahrzehnte eingehend untersucht, auch im Hinblick auf seine Regulation. In der unmittelbaren Umgebung des icaADBC-Operons, stromabwärts des icaR Gens, das für den Repressor des ica-Operons (IcaR) kodiert, wurde ein großes Transkript identifiziert, von dem vermutet wird, dass es möglicherweise an der Regulation der Biofilmbildung beteiligt ist (Eckart, 2006). Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, dieses Transkript zu charakterisieren und seine Funktion in S. epidermidis aufzudecken. Die nicht-kodierende RNA, genannt IcaZ, hat eine Länge von ~400 nt und ist spezifisch für ica-positive S. epidermidis. Sie wird in der frühen bis mittleren exponentiellen Phase temperaturabhängig exprimiert. Stromaufwärts überlappt das icaZ-Gen und dessen Promotor mit der 3' UTR vom icaR-Gen. Stromabwärts wird das icaZ-Gen vom einem Transkriptionsterminator begrenzt, der auch für das tRNAThr-4-Gen benutzt wird, das auf dem gegenüberliegenden Strang in Richtung des icaZ-Gens lokalisiert ist. Die Deletion der RNA führte zu einem makroskopisch sichtbaren Biofilm-negativen Phänotyp mit deutlich verminderter PIA Bildung. Die Biofilmzusammensetzung wurde in vitro mittels eines klassischen Kristallviolett-Assays gemessen und die Biofilmbildung in vivo in Echtzeit mittels konfokaler Mikroskopie (CLSM) betrachtet. Dabei wurde mit einer peristaltischen Pumpe ein Mediumfluss appliziert. Die Mutante zeigte klare Defekte in der initialen Adhärenz und in der Zell-Zell Adhäsion. Sie bildete im Gegensatz zum Wildtyp keinen strukturierten Biofilm aus. Zur Komplementierung des Biofilms wurde die IcaZ von einem Plasmid exprimiert und die Biofilmzusammensetzung nach 18-20 Stunden Wachstum gemessen. Die Ergebnisse dieser Untersuchungen in den verschiedenen Mutanten waren nicht eindeutig. Um die Funktion von IcaZ aufzudecken, wurden Transkriptom- und Proteomvergleiche zwischen Wildtyp und Mutante gemacht. Diese lieferten einige Hinweise, aber da der metabolische Unterschied eines Biofilmbildners zu einem Nicht-Biofilmbildner zu groß war, wurde eine direktere Methode angewandt, die induzierte Expression (Pulsexpression). Zudem wurden potentielle Interaktionspartner der IcaZ mittels computer-basierter Bindungsvorhersagen analysiert. Die icaR mRNA kristallisierte sich dabei als Target heraus und die Interaktion zwischen IcaZ und icaR mRNA wurde mit Gelshift-Assays (EMSA) untersucht. Eine Bandenverschiebung wurde mit icaR 3' UTR und mit dem icaR-5'-3' UTR-Fusionsprodukt detektiert, wohingegen keine Interaktion zwischen IcaZ und icaA mRNA stattfand. Aufgrund dieser Assays wurde vermutet, dass IcaZ die Translation von icaR in S. epidermidis reguliert. In S. aureus fehlt die nicht-kodierende RNA IcaZ und für icaR mRNA wurde eine Autoregulation gezeigt, bei der die icaR 5' UTR mit der icaR 3' UTR intramolekular oder intermolekular durch Basenpaarung interagiert, wodurch die Shine-Dalgarno Sequenz blockiert wird und es aufgrund dessen zu einer Hemmung der Translation kommt. Die Umweltfaktoren, die dazu führen sind bisher unbekannt. Der Komplex wird durch eine Endoribonuklease, RNase III, abgebaut (Ruiz de los Mozos et al., 2013). In S. epidermidis wurde eine solche Interaktion theoretisch ausgeschlossen. Experimentelle Analysen dieser Arbeit haben gezeigt, dass diese Autoregulation in S. epidermidis nicht stattfinden kann und es wird angenommen, dass IcaZ diese Regulation übernimmt. Um die Interaktion zu visualisieren wurden GFP-Reporter Plasmide generiert, die aber für weitere Experimente noch zu verbessern sind. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass IcaZ mit der icaR mRNA interagiert, was höchstwahrscheinlich zu einer Hemmung der Translation des Repressors IcaR führt und damit letztlich PIA-Synthese und Biofilmbildung positiv reguliert. Zusätzlich wurde gefunden, dass Ethanol die Expression der IcaZ-RNA induziert, während NaCl nur schwache Effekte zeigte und Glucose keinen Einfluss auf die Expression von icaZ hatte. Ethanol ist ein Bestandteil von Desinfektionsmitteln, die in Krankenhäusern verwendet werden und ist bekannt dafür Biofilmbildung auszulösen. Da die Bildung von Biofilmen auf medizinischen Geräten kritisch ist und diese die Behandlung von S. epidermidis Infektionen erschweren, tragen die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit nicht nur zu einem besseren Verständnis des komplexen Netzwerks der Biofilmregulation bei, sondern haben möglicherweise auch praktischen Nutzen in der Zukunft.