Effect of Alternating Electrical Current against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms

Bacterial biofilms is a major problem of ineffective sterilization often confronted in health care center processes. The current electric field with the sterilant used to combat the biofilm greatly increases the efficacy of the sterilization. There has been little research on the effects of alternating current on the bacterial growth and biofilm potency.The purpose of this work was to study in vitro bioelectric effect of alternating current on biofilm potency Electric field strength of 6 and 10 V/cm2 at 1 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz and 20 MHz was applied continuously during lag phases of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29213 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. First, McFarland suspension was prepared, then changes in bacterial biofilm formation were investigated by the microtiter plate method. The alternating current at the low voltage and high frequency (10 V/cm2 at 20MHz) reduced the biofilm potency of S. aureusATCC29213 (Strong to moderate) and P. aeruginosaPAO1 (moderate to weak) effectively. Detection of a suitable form of the alternating current for effective sterilization is necessary in the future. These data recommended the use of the bioelectric effect in the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections. Effects of alternating currentmay can be applied as a complementary for eliminating biofilm and increasing disinfectant bactericidal potency.