Process THIS! Episode 143: Breaking Down Biofilm

About this episode

This episode discusses biofilm, its implications in healthcare, and cleaning technologies with Dr. Jon Burdach.

Biofilm is “comprised of living cells and a structure to protect them . . . that has potentially infectious material within it.” The structure creates a physical barrier between the microorganisms and their environment, providing protection from cleaning chemistries, disinfectants, antibiotics and the body’s immune system. In episode 143, host Jon Wood speaks with Dr. Jon Burdach of Nanosonics. They discuss all things biofilm: what it is, how it develops and why it is so persistent. Dr. Burdach explains the difference between preventing biofilm and removing it, and he makes a compelling case for why removal is more important. He references recent studies, including those revealing that commonly used chemicals can act as fixatives and exacerbate biofilm growth. Dr. Burdach also reviews what can happen when biofilm is introduced into the body and its role in hospital-acquired infection (HAI) outbreaks over time. Lastly, the conversation turns to the particular challenge of cleaning flexible endoscope channels. Dr. Burdach introduces the cyclic-buildup biofilm (CBB) research model and shares developments in emerging lumen cleaning technologies. This episode of Process This…

People in this episode

Host: Jon Wood

Guest: Dr. Jon Burdach

Topics covered

• biofilm
• infection control
• cleaning technologies
• hospital-acquired infections
• endoscope cleaning

Keywords

• biofilm
• infection
• cleaning
• endoscope
• hospital-acquired infections
• Nanosonics
• disinfectants

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Nanosonics

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