The effect of N-acetylcysteine on growth and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis strains

Abstract

Aim: To examine the possible preventive effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis strains, which cause very important problems such as implant-associated infections in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients worldwide. Materials and methods: The effects of varying concentrations of NAC on the formation of biofilm by 28 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis was investigated spectrophotometrically by micro-ELISA assay. Results: Significant differences in biofilm formation in the presence of various NAC concentrations were found in 15 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and 13 methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus epidermidis strains (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that slime formation was decreased due to the increased concentrations of the NAC treatments. Based on these findings, it is possible to use NAC as an antibiofilm agent on medical devices or in catheter lock solutions to prevent colonization and implant-associated infections. © TÜBİTAK.