US 2026/0308659 A1 · CYCLIC BUILDUP OF BIOFILMS IN SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED LUMENS

Abstract

Provided are multi-cyclic methods for simulating the deposition of stable biofilms on the inner walls of small to medium inner diameter lumens found in medical devices such as endoscopes. Multiple embodiments, including four- and two-cycle versions of the cyclic build-up biofilm (CBB) model were developed for depositing tough and stable bacterial biofilms in the lumens having relatively small or medium sized internal diameters (≤2.5 mm ID). The resulting stable biofilms resemble the difficult to remove biofilms found in small lumened medical devices and provide a reliable model for simulating build-up that takes place over time in clinical settings. The CBB model also may be applicable to larger-lumened medical devices. Also provided are methods of cleaning such biofilms from lumens.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A method for stable biofilm deposition using a cyclic buildup biofilm (CBB) method in a small- to medium-sized inner diameter lumen of a medical device, comprising the ordered steps of:

(a) preparing and filling the lumen with media comprising an artificial test soil, blood and a solution comprising a concentration of at least 106 colony forming units (CFU) per mL (106/mL) of at least one bacterial species;
(b) recirculating the media for at least 4 hours between 20° C. and 30° C.;
(c) rinsing the lumen with a fluid suitable for rinsing, purging any remaining fluid with a gas suitable for purging, filling the lumen with fixing agent, and repeating the rinsing and purging sufficiently to remove any fluid remaining in the lumen;
and
(d) repeating a cycle of steps (a) through (c) in order at least once;
and
(e) repeating steps (a) and (b) in order at least once,
wherein a stable biofilm is deposited in the small to medium-sized inner diameter lumen according to the CBB method, and
wherein the biofilm is comprised of multiple compact layers of dried organic matrix with embedded organisms.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cyclic buildup of biofilms in small to medium-sized lumens

Life of this patent

Cyclic buildup of biofilms in small to medium-sized lumens

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29