Glutaraldehyde: its uptake by sporing and non-sporing bacteria, rubber, plastic and an endoscope

Uptake of glutaraldehyde to bacterial spores, germinating and outgrowing spores, vegetative cells (sporing and non-sporing bacteria), various types of rubber, plastic and an endoscope was investigated. Escherichia coli NCTC 10418 exhibited greatest uptake, followed by Bacillus subtilis NCTC 8236 vegetative cells and Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 6571. Germinated and outgrowing B. subtilis spores adsorbed more glutaraldehyde than resting spores, but less than vegetative cells. Low concentrations of alkaline and acid glutaraldehyde increased the surface hydrophobicity and inhibited the germination of bacterial spores, the alkaline solution to a greater extent in both cases. Rubbers exhibited varying degrees of uptake and are listed in decreasing order of uptake: red rubber, fluorinated rubber (Vinescol), silicone rubber (Silescol), butyl rubber (Butyl XX). Polypropylene, the only plastic examined, was found not to adsorb any glutaraldehyde. The endoscope adsorbed more glutaraldehyde (per gram) than fluorinated rubber but less than red rubber. No damage was observed.