The quantitation and comparison of gene expression levels in different biomaterials for ALS and HWP in Candida albicans, for ICA in Staphylococcus epidermidis in Real Time PCR

This study describes a comparison of latex-silicone coated, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylpyrolidone coated polyurethane and polyurethane catheters for the delivery of adhesion genes in an in vitro biofilm model. ALS1, HWP1 genes of Candida albicans and ICA gene for Staphylococcus epidermidis were targeted for the comparison of four different biomaterials. Biofilm mass was separeted from the surface of the catheter and mRNA of the strains were isolated. Isolated mRNA was transcripted into cDNA and quantified in a real time PCR assay. As a result of our study, ALS1 and HWP1 gene copy numbers were found to be 2.50x105 and 1.30x104 copy/ml, respectively and ICA gene copy number was found to be 1.80x105 copy/ml on the biofilm of the catheter made from siliconized material. Adhesion genes were found as expressed in higher levels on the polyvinyl chloride catheter than those in siliconized ones. ALS1 and HWP1 gene copy numbers were found to be 7.56x106 and 6.88x105 copy/ml, respectively and ICA gene copy number was found to be 4.20x105 copy/ml on the polyvinyl chloride catheter. Minimum gene expression levels were detected in polyvinylpyrolidone coated polyurethane and polyurethane catheters. Biofilm related genes were not expressed differently between planktonic cells or on the surfaces of those catheters.In this study, the expression of the adhesion related genes were found to be affected from the structure of the materials. It may result in the preferation of one material from other in the clinical use.