Figure 5.

SEM visualization of biofilm surface alteration in the hpBIOM (here P. aeruginosa) under treatment with antiseptics and antimicrobial wound irrigation solutions. (A) Densely connected surface structure of a 12 h-maturated biofilm before treatment, white circles depict human erythrocytes. (B) After 6 h of treatment with OCT/PE: surface structure appears less compact with several holes as potential entry points. (C) After 24 h of treatment with OCT/PE: surface is deranged and “broken-open” into a loosened structure with fine filaments, readily penetrable. (D) After 24 h of treatment with <0.08% NaClO: remaining densely connected surface structure, no visible penetration, additional build-up superficial EPS structures (white circle depicts human erythrocyte).