Biofilm formation on contact lenses by bacterial pathogens

Biofilm is an assemblage of microbial cells that is irreversibly associated with the surface and usually enclosed in a matrix of polysaccharide material. The process of any contact lens related keratitis usually starts when opportunistic pathogens binds to the cell surface. Lens material characteristics influence bacterial adhesion to lens surface. Various factors affect biofilm formation on contact lens such as substratum effect, conditioning film, hydrodynamics, quorum sensing etc. The effect of bacterial adhesion on lens varies amongst individuals. This is due to difference between the errors, responses of bacterial strain and the ability of certain tear film protein when bound to the cell surface to kill certain types of bacteria. Prevention of biofilm formation is a necessary step in the successful prophylaxis of infections. Polymer surface modification is one approach to inhibit bacterial adhesion.