Topographical alterations render bacterial biofilms susceptible to chemical and mechanical stress.

For the inactivation or removal of bacterial biofilms via chemical or physical processes, it is crucial to sufficiently wet the biofilm surface. However, many bacterial biofilms efficiently resist wetting by water, oil or even organic solvents. Here, we demonstrate how exposing the surface of mature biofilm colonies to concentrated ethanol, saline or glucose solutions results in topographical changes that enable their wettability.

Improved contact lens disinfection by exposure to violet radiation.

Background: Conventional procedures for contact lens disinfection, based on solutions with aggressive chemical ingredients, not only affect microorganisms but operate likewise damaging towards the epithelial eye surface.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of an alternative or complementary disinfection procedure for contact lenses based on irradiation within the visible wavelength range.

Methods: Suspensions of S.