Biofilms are problematic in the health sector since they are responsible for 65% of the hospital acquired infections associated with medical devices. Hydrodynamics have a very strong influence in the process of biofilm formation.
Flow behavior in 96-well microtiter plates (MTPs) was simulated for shaking frequencies between 50 and 200 rpm and diameters from 25 to 100 mm. Shear strain values up to 150s-1 were obtained. These values are within the range of those found in arteries and veins, and also in the oral cavity. Using 12-well microplates is advantageous due to the relatively high shear forces that can be obtained with this format. Large coupons can be placed on the bottom of the wells, thus several antimicrobial materials for biomedical applications can be tested.
Poster presented during the AMiCI Workshop for Early Career Investigators (ECIs) and Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM). Riga, Latvia, 7th of March 2019