The Influence of Antimicrobial Peptides and Mucolytics on the Integrity of Biofilms Consisting of Bacteria and Yeasts as Affecting Voice Prosthetic Air Flow Resistances |
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| Authors: | Janine JH Oosterhof G Jolanda Elving Ietse Stokroos Arie van nieuw Amerongen Henny C van der Mei Henk J Busscher |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Groningen , Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands;2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology , University Hospital of Groningen , Hanzeplein 1, 9713 EZ, Groningen, The Netherlands h.c.van.der.mei@med.rug.nl;4. Department of Otorhinolaryngology , University Hospital of Groningen , Hanzeplein 1, 9713 EZ, Groningen, The Netherlands;5. Laboratory for Cell Biology and Electron Microscopy , University of Groningen , Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands;6. Department of Oral Biochemistry , Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, Free University , Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands;7. Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Groningen , Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands |
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| Abstract: | The integrity of biofilms on voice prostheses used to rehabilitate speech in laryngectomized patients causes unwanted increases in airflow resistance, impeding speech. Biofilm integrity is ensured by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). This study aimed to determine whether synthetic salivary peptides or mucolytics, including N-acetylcysteine and ascorbic acid, influence the integrity of voice prosthetic biofilms. Biofilms were grown on voice prostheses in an artificial throat model and exposed to synthetic salivary peptides, mucolytics and two different antiseptics (chlorhexidine and Triclosan). Synthetic salivary peptides did not reduce the air flow resistance of voice prostheses after biofilm formation. Although both chlorhexidine and Triclosan reduced microbial numbers on the prostheses, only the Triclosan-containing positive control reduced the air flow resistance. Unlike ascorbic acid, the mucolytic N-acetylcysteine removed most EPS from the biofilms and induced a decrease in air flow resistance. |
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| Keywords: | biofilm voice prosthesis extracellular polymeric substances synthetic salivary peptides ascorbic acid N-acetylcysteine |
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