Development of antibacterial urinary catheters and stents

Important results from the project

We have achieved the purpose and goals with the project by developing an antimicrobial KAD prototype (Foley) that has shown good antimicrobial effect against the most common pathogens in UTI as well as reduced microbial growth and biofilm formation on the surface even during longer exposure times. The surface treatment has been optimized to provide the best antimicrobial effect as well as physical properties such as low friction and durability.

Expected long term effects

We have developed a new initiation method and optimized coating for KAD (Foley) and evaluated samples for bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The coated catheter has an initial bacteriostatic effect and effectively counteracts biofilm formation even at longer exposure times. The next step will be to evaluate KAD (Foley) in clinical trials, scaling up the coating process and optimization of the process for other materials / products.

Approach and implementation

A new initiation method was developed for KAD materials where grafting of acrylic acid and coupling of CytaCoats antibacterial coating could be successfully performed. The surface-modified and coated materials were evaluated mainly for antibacterial properties. After short exposure to bacteria, a bacteriostatic effect was observed and at longer exposures an efficient inhibition of biofilm formation was observed. The results have been successful and we are now planning ahead to be able to scale up the process and develop new methods for other materials.