Sabri. In Vitro Efficacy of Biocides against Dental Unit Water Line (DUWL) Biofilm Bacteria

Abstract: Dental unit waterlines (DUWL) are an integral part of dental surgery equipment, supplying water as a coolant, primarily for air turbine and ultrasonic scalers. DUWL when not in use remain connected to main water supply providing conditions for biofilm development within 8 hours. Bacteria shed from the biofilm can maintain and support massive number of planktonic organisms. Characteristically biofilm bacteria exhibit 3000 fold more resistance to surfactants, biocides and antibiotics than organisms floating freely in fluids. Biofilms on tubings within DUWL provide a reservoir of microorganisms and must be controlled. This study compared different biocides for their ability to reduce and / eliminate the biofilm bacteria. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Phenol (Phe), Tween 20 (Tw 20), Ethylene dihydro tetraoxide (EDTA), Chlorohexidine gluconate (CHX) an