Title: Anti-bacterial Urinary Catheter Development
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: The research focuses on four main areas The microbiology of catheter encrustation and blockage The development of a polymer, using slow-release silver nano-particles to produce an anti-bacterial efficacy for a minimum of fourteen days and be commercially viable. Maximising the benefits of ultrasonic cutting of the eyelets Forming a platform of knowledge and products that combined will allow a replacement of the Foley balloon. The research follows on the work already undertaken by dr Mike Millar at Barts Hospital in relation to the microbiology, the development of a basic nano-silver embedded polymer by Professor Vadgama of Queen Marys, University of London, funded by a previous NHS i4i Grant and the commercially available ultrasonic eyelet cutting system developed by Alan Profit at Rainbow Medical. The research aims to maximise these developments to meet the patient, healthcare provider and manufacturers needs and produce commercially viable products. This will bring both patient benefits and a return on investment and provide a platform for the development of a replacement for the Foley balloon. If these elements can be achieved through this and further research then the indwelling urinary catheter will cease to be a necessary but risky medical device and finally become a benefit to the patient and the healthcare provider. The research will – Investigate ways of forming and embedding the nano-silver particles in various polymers – Investigate surfactants, solvents, additives and chelates to maximise distribution and slow release of the nano-particles – Ensure that the efficacy of the polymer meets the minimum 14 day patient requirement – Ensure that the resulting polymers are compatible with ultrasonic cutting – Ensure the resulting polymer(s) are commercially viable – Quantify the benefits in reduced infections using standard industry tests – Develop acceptable integration of ultrasonic cutting into automated production systems The objectives will be Formation of a range of composite materials based on pre-formed silver nano-particles and on silver salt loaded polymers that subsequently allow conversion to distributed silver nano-particles Study of the surface and bulk properties of the composites Quantitative variation in loading and formulation of composites to create controlled release surfaces on indwelling urinary catheters for effective ion release over 14 days microbiological studies in controlled solutions and artificial urine solutions to test for biofilm reduction correlation of solution variables, composites and surface geometry to maximise biofilm reduction combination of polymer and ultrasonic cutting to maximise biofilm reduction quantified benefit of reduced time to encrustation and reduced time to catheter blockage competitive positioning of combined QMUL polymer and ultrasonically cut eyelets acceptability to regulatory bodies and healthcare providers in UK, EU & US Integration of the ultrasonic cutting system into the automated production system of the major manufacturers Cost effective solutions for the manufacturers for multiple sources of polymer supply, cost of production adaption / conversion, revenue and profit margins


Research activity codes: 5.3 MEDICAL DEVICES
Health categories: INFECTION