POLOXAMER-407 AS ABACTERIAL ABHESIVE FOR HYDROGEL CONTACT-LENSES

Bacterial adherence and colonization of biomedical prosthetic implants is one of the main causes for implant withdrawal. The abhesive (anti- adhesive) effect of poloxamer 407 on several Gram-positive and Gramneg ative strains and the site of action of its effect have been investiga ted. Poloxamer 407 significantly inhibited 92-99% of Pseudomonas aerug inosa adherence to hydrophilic contact lenses (P < .05). This adherenc e inhibition was concentration-dependent. A reduction of about 50-60% was obtained for Staphylococcus strains, and 50-70% for Gram-negative strains other than Pseudomonas. The poloxamer seems to act on the bact eria surface, but not on the contact lens surface. Poloxamer 407 could potentially prevent implant-related infections and keratitis associat ed with contact lens wear, by inhibiting bacterial adherence onto the implant or contact lens surface. (C) 1994 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.