Prevention of Bacterial Biofilms in Dental Waterlines

Waterlines within dental units are heavily contaminated with microorganisms and have been identified as a source of hazardous microbial exposure for patients and health care providers. The American Dental Association is requesting water quality improvement and water quality monitoring. The aim of this proposal is to demonstrate safety and efficacy of a system which is designed to improve the microbiologic quality of water used in dental treatment. The efficacy of Iocide for use in the disinfection of dental waterlines was demonstrated in Phase I. Iocide, a disinfectant which is biocidal against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and bacterial and fungal spores, was found to effectively prevent formation of bacterial biofilms and to reduce artificially generated bacterial biofilms in dental waterlines. Additionally, Iocide performed favorably in preliminary biocompatibility and materials compatibility testing. Phase II studies are designed to further develop Iocide as a simple, inexpensive method of maintaining a safe environment for patients and dental personnel. Studies will involve (1) testing Iocide in clinical settings as a disinfectant for dental waterlines, (2) performing additional materials compatibility testing with the metal, rubber and plastic materials contained within dental units, (3) performing additional biocompatibility studies, and (4) testing the prototype delivery system in clinical settings.

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Biomedical Development Corporation
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Email: bdc@biodevcorp.com