The Efficacy of Povidone-Iodine in Eradicating Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm on Stainless Steel Alloy Implants
- Author:
Sofian AA
1
;
Che-Hamzah F
2
;
Khirul-Ashar NA
1
;
Noorman MF
1
;
Ab-Halim AA
2
;
Amin-Nordin S
3
;
Sither-Joseph NM
3
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
2. Department of Orthopaedics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
3. Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
biofilm;
povidone-iodine;
implant-related infection;
Staphylococcus aureus
- From:Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal
2026;20(No. 1):1-
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is the leading biofilmforming microorganisms in orthopaedic implant infections.
The biofilms formed are difficult to eradicate and resistance
to antibiotics. This current study aims to determine the
effectiveness of povidone-iodine; an antiseptic solution in
eradicating S. aureus biofilm on stainless steel alloy. In
addition to the usual Colony-Forming Unit (CFU) used for
verification, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is used to
validate the formation and eradication of the biofilms.
Materials and methods: This is an in vitro study where the
biofilm is formed by inoculating clinically isolated S. aureus,
incubated for 24 hours onto stainless steel alloy 316L
implants. The implants are then irrigated using povidoneiodine solution with varying concentrations (5 and 10%) and
durations (30, 60, and 180 seconds). The anti-biofilm effect
was evaluated using plating and SEM methods to confirm its
effectiveness. The process is repeated after 24 hours of postirrigation reincubation to detect any rebound growth.
Results: No biofilm seen after irrigation with povidoneiodine at 5% and 10% concentrations at 30, 60 and 180
seconds, respectively, in both CFU count and SEM. This
result is replicated after 24 hours of reincubation, in
assessing for rebound growth.
Conclusion: Our study supports that a minimum of 5%
povidone-iodine with a minimum irrigation time of 30
seconds are effective at eliminating S. aureus biofilm on
stainless steel alloy implants. Both CFU count and SEM
yield similar value in validating the presence of biofilm.
Additionally, SEM allows visualisation of the morphology of
the biofilm.
- Full text:2026030910264863871staphylococcus-aureus-biofilm (1).pdf
