Toward the Treatment of Paranasal Sinus Biofilms Using a Novel Nuclease

Abstract

unusual layered structure. Samples consisted of endogenous mucin-rich layers with occasional pockets of bacterial cells, which were found throughout the biofilm. A commercially available surfactant was used to disperse the upper layers of mucin to allow penetration by the nuclease into the deeper bacterial biofilm. In vitro studies with the nuclease against model organisms also showed effective breakup of biofilms. Conclusion:We have shown that characteristic tenacious sinus "biofilm" has an unusual microscopic structure. Bacteria appeared to be localized in foci and may have been responsible for stimulating a host response. We are developing methods to remove sinus biofilms using a microbial nuclease that breaks down DNA holding the biofilm together. Rhinology/Allergy