Composition of artificial tear solution affects in vitro pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation on silicone hydrogel lens

Purpose: To investigate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation on silicone hydrogel contact lens in various artificial tears. Methods: P. aeruginosa was cocultured with contact lenses (Senofilcon A, Acuvue Oasys Hydraclear plus^®; Johnson & Johnson, Jacksonville, FL) in artificial tears containing hyaluronic acid (HA) (0.3%, 0.1%, or 0.1%+benzalkonium chloride) or carboxymethylcellulose (0.5% or 0.3%+dextran). P. aeruginosa biofilm was stained with crystal violet (0.1%) after 48 h of incubation. The optical density of the dissolved biofilm was measured by a spectrophotometer at 570 nm and was compared. Results: P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in 3 solutions (0.3% HA, 0.1% HA+benzalkonium chloride and 0.3% carboxymethylcellulose+dextran) was significantly decreased compared to the other 2 solutions (0.1% HA and 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose) (P<0.01). Conclusions: P. aeruginosa biofilm formation on silicone hydrogel contact lens was affected by the composition of artificial tears. A higher concentration of HA and addition of benzalkonium chloride or dextran in artificial tears were helpful to prevent P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.