Assay Development for Biofilm Quantification and Assessment

Since many nosocomial infections result from the failure to remove biofilms from hospital surfaces, it is necessary to develop a method for measuring the amount of biofilm on those surfaces in order to then test treatment and/or disinfection techniques. Thus, our research offers an in vitro assay of assessing the biofilm formation of Acinetobacter baumannii, a gram negative bacterium, which we then use to determine the viability and quantity of bacteria on varying surfaces, starting with stainless steel washers. From sonication, to scanning electron microscopes to plating colony forming units; we use a variety of protocols to legitimate our results. Ultimately, our project's goal is to provide useful insight for hospitals to effectively treat surfaces and decrease bacterial growth in the form of a biofilm.