Microbiological Evaluation of Elastomeric Chains
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate in vitro the surface of elastomeric chains of different manufacturers to verify the presence of pathogenic microorganisms at the moment of unpacking and analyze a possible inhibitory effect of the elastomeric chain when exposed to microorganisms of the oral cavity, for example, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, and Candida albicans.
Materials and Methods: Elastomeric chains from Ortho-Organizers Inc, 3M Unitek, and Dental Morelli were placed in petri plates with brain heart infusion agar medium and in sterile test tubes with brain heart infusion broth. The samples were incubated at 37°C and analyzed at 24 hours, 48 hours, 3 days, and 7 days. In addition, elastomeric chains from the three manufacturers were placed in dishes, inoculated with microorganisms, incubated at 37°C, and analyzed after 24 and 72 hours.
Results: No microorganism growth was detected after all incubation periods. No inhibition zones were identified surrounding the elastomeric chain.
Conclusions: The results suggest that the fabrication of elastomeric chain is in accordance with biohazard concepts. However, careful manipulation is necessary to avoid colonization of pathogenic microorganisms since the composition of the elastomeric chains analyzed do not include antimicrobial agents.
Brands of elastomeric chain used in the experiment (3M Unitek, Dental Morelli, and Ortho-Organizers Inc)
Sample disposition in a Petri dish with agar brain heart infusion and 15-mL test tube with agar brain heart infusion broth
Insertion of the elastomeric chain in the Petri dish with the aid of a swab
Bacterial and fungal sediments were not detected on the beginning, middle, and end tubes of the elastomeric chain of the Dental Morelli brand at the 24-hour time point. The liquid did not become cloudy in any tube
Absence of bacterial and fungal sediments on dish 2 of the elastomeric chain of 3M Unitek. The same pattern without roughness of the elastomeric chain was presented in every sample
Streptococcus mutans growth was not inhibited by the elastomeric chain as evidenced by no inhibition rings around the chains in the growth media
Segment of elastomeric chain contaminated by improper manipulation without disposable gloves
Contributor Notes
Corresponding author: Dr Giovana Rembowski Casaccia, Department of Orthodontics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av Taquara, 98/404, Porto Alegre, RS 90460210, Brazil 5505133314188. (giocasaccia@gmail.com)