75 - Controlling Growth of Penicillium Corylophilum in the Anatomy Laboratory

Poster Board Number: 75
There are separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Co-authors:

Tiffany Carpenetti - Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine; Trina Nguyen - Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine; Samantha Steiss - Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Abstract Body : Long-term use of anatomical donors demands routine maintenance to promote the respect and utility of tissue. Regular and effective fungal abatement techniques are a critical aspect of donor care given the speed at which mold can infiltrate, colonize, and spread to neighboring tissues or donors. If left untreated, disposal of the affected tissue may be necessary to limit further proliferation. In a prior study, mass spectrometry was used to identify the species of mold growing on our donors as being Penicillium corylophilum. As part of that study, Dis Spray (www.dodgeco.com; item #505065) was found to be the most effective method for inhibiting its growth. The antimicrobial chemicals included in the composition of Dis Spray are benzalkonium chloride (BAC), alkyldimethyl(ethylbenzyl)ammonium chloride (Quat), iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC), and triclosan (Tric). Since each chemical is associated with unique health and toxicity concerns, we aimed to eliminate unnecessary chemical exposure by determining the effectiveness of each individual compound on the inhibition of Penicillium corylophilum growth. Ratios of chemicals were measured to reflect the composition of Dis Spray and suspended in a carrier solution (50% isopropanol, 49% tap water, 1% ethylene glycol). Potato starch agar plates were then inoculated with Penicillium corylophilum in triplicate and sectioned into seven regions, with each region treated with circular pieces of filter paper (~0.5cm in diameter) saturated with either BAC (5%), QUAT (1%), IPBC (2.5%), TRIC (2.5%), tap water (H20), 95% ethanol (2.5%) (EtOH), or carrier solution (CS). The sections treated with TRIC, H20, EtOH, and CS succumbed to mold growth within 5 days, QUAT within 7 days, BAC within 12 days, while IPBC was still abating mold growth on day 21. This pattern was reflected on all three plates. IPBC is an antimicrobial preservative used frequently in cosmetics with evidence indicating fewer toxicity and health concerns compared to BAC, Quat, and Tric. Future studies will test minimal effective concentrations of IBPC and eventually be integrated into a wetting solution prepared in-house.