A master’s thesis at Al-Khwarizmi College has discovered the presence of biofilm in operating room and provides innovative therapeutic solutions.
On Tuesday morning Sep 9, 2025 a master’s thesis titled (Investigating Biofilm in surgical operating theaters and describing the relevant treatment methods) of the master candidate Duaa Hatem Madhy and it was awarded a degree of pass with merit.
The study showed one of most challenges faced in sensitive medical environments representing by biofilm that posed dangerous contamination source and it could lead to hard complications and infection after surgical operation.
The study concentrated on the evaluation of biofilm availability on surfaces inside the operating rooms in Iraqi hospitals in addition to investigating environmental conditions that may affect the formation.
The results, using crystal violet dye, have shown noticeable presence of biofilm on different surfaces particularly light and unmovable backgrounds and this reflects the danger of its availability in places supposed to apply high levels of sterilization protocols.
The thesis suggests the use of saline solution, efficient method for biofilm elimination, adjusted with phosphate with studied concentrations and various exposure periods. Furthermore, it can be added to sterilization protocols used in operating room.
This study have many outcomes, one of them publishing three papers where one accepted by Fifth international conference in sustainable engineering techniques (Scopus Q3) , second was accepted by the journal of medical science and technical health, the third one was accepted by Al-Rafidain journal of engineering sciences. The essential results and conclusions were submitted to the ministry of health/ Technical affairs governorate, in order to update the sterilization protocols to include more effective procedures in eliminating biofilm and preventing its formation.
The study emphasized, through recommendations, the importance of promoting sterilization protocols by using leading techniques capable of destroying biofilm and eliminating it from operating rooms.
Moreover, constant monitoring for proactive pollution detection is of Paramount importance, evaluation of sterilization process, raising awareness of healthcare and support personnel about the potential risk posed by biofilm. Furthermore, conducting more research employing innovative techniques is essential such as UV, ultrasound, and enzymatic cleaner. Finally, developing infection preventive strategies to deal with biofilm.
