Lipid emulsions and catheter material regulate the formation of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on intravascular devices

Staphylococcus aureus is a commensal bacterium involved in many healthcare-associated infections, sometimes through the formation of biofilm on invasive vascular devices in intensive care units. Yet, little is known about the main factors driving the development of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on intravascular devices, especially in critical care settings. This study introduces a new in vitro Staphylococcus aureus biofilm model on both central venous and arterial catheters. Notably, we illustrate the use of dynamic full-field optical coherence tomography for the precise characterization, quantification and dynamic monitoring of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation. These findings primarily demonstrate the significant impact of low concentrations of propofol or parenteral nutrition as well as catheter material on SH1000 biofilm development in vitro. This provides new insights that may help identifying critical factors associated with the occurrence of catheter-related infections in intensive care units and inform the development of new prevention and treatment strategies.