Poloxamer 407 as a bacterial abhesive for hydrogel contact lenses

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
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 Gramnegative strains and the site of action of its effect have been investigated. Poloxamer 407 significantly inhibited 92–99% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa adherence to hydrophilic contact lenses (P <.05). This adherence 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 bacteria surface, but not on the contact lens surface. Poloxamer 407 could potentially prevent implant‐related infections and keratitis associated with contact lens wear, by inhibiting bacterial adherence onto the implant or contact lens surface. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.