Adherence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to inanimate polymers including biomaterials

Cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were adhered to polymethyl methacrylate, po lyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate, mixed-a crylic, silicone, and natural latex materials, Planktonic bacteria and bact eria that adhered to the test materials were compared for their uptake of e ither L-[3,4,5-H-3] leucine or [methyl-H-3] thymidine during growth in a mi nimal medium, Leucine incorporation was reduced and thymidine uptake was ne gligible in adherent bacteria for up to 8 h following primary attachment by which time cells in the planktonic state showed active uptake of both subs trates. These reduced uptake periods correlated with lag phases of growth o f adherent cells as determined with a sonication-release plate count proced ure and analyses of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), The extent of the lag pha se of the adherent populations was dependent on initial densities of adhere d cells and the nature of the substratum.