Oral Biol Res.  2023 Sep;47(3):103-106. 10.21851/obr.47.03.202309.103.

Effect of dental unit waterline material on biofilm formation

• Lee SY
• Yoon HY

• KMID: 2546567
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21851/obr.47.03.202309.103

Abstract

To prevent the formation of biofilms in dental unit waterlines (DUWLs), tube materials that inhibit bacterial adhesion may be used. The purpose of this study was to compare biofilm formation on different DUWL tube materials. Six types of DUWL tube materials with an inner diameter of 2 mm were used in this study: polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane (PU), silicone, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polytetrafluoroethylene. A piece of each tube material (1 cm) was attached to a CDC biofilm reactor model, and biofilms were allowed to form for 4 days. Biofilm accumulation on PE was significantly higher than that on other materials (p<0.05). The least biofilm accumulation was observed on PU and silicone. Biofilm formation in DUWLs is affected by the tube material, and the use of PU and silicone in DUWLs may help to inhibit the formation of biofilms in DUWLs.

Keyword

Biofilms; Dental unit waterline; Material