Highly efficient and safe sterilization of reusable medical devices and implants by slightly acidic electrolyzed water

This study evaluated the potential of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) as an efficient and safe biofilm disinfectant for medical devices and implants. The results showed that SAEW rapidly eradicated planktonic bacteria and biofilms, outperforming NaClO. SAEW degraded proteins and eDNA in extracellular polymeric substances, thereby penetrating biofilms and acting on bacteria. SAEW-treated bacteria could not maintain normal morphology, resulting in bacterial lysis and death. SAEW downregulated biofilm-related genes, including cna, pvl and clfA of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, and aap, icaR and sara of <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i>. Additionally, SAEW cleared biofilms on surgical devices and implants within 10 min or less. Furthermore, no significant difference in corrosion efficiency was observed between the SAEW group and the negative control group when tested on stainless steel, zinc alloy and brass. In conclusion, SAEW exhibited robust antibacterial and biofilm-eliminating capabilities, showing great potential as a disinfectant for medical devices and implants.