Inventors:
Andrej Trampuz - Basel, CH
Robin Patel - Rochester MN, US
James F. Greenleaf - Rochester MN, US
Arlen D. Hanssen - Rochester MN, US
Assignee:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research - Rochester MN
International Classification:
C12N 1/00, B08B 6/00, C11D 3/02, C11D 3/20
US Classification:
435243, 134 1, 134 11, 510108, 510109, 510161
Abstract:
Methods, kits, and systems for removing microbial biofilms from surfaces of objects (such as, e. g. , explanted medical devices) are disclosed. The methods, kits, and systems rely on the use of acoustic energy in the presence of microbubbles to enhance biofilm removal while retaining viability of the microorganisms in the biofilm. The microbubbles may be provided in a variety of manners such as, e. g. , vortexing a liquid, obtaining a suspension that includes pre-formed protein-stabilized microbubbles, etc.