Groundbreaking technology of covalent antibacterial coating of medical devices

Purpose and goal

We have achieved the aim and objectives of the project by developing a wet chemical initiation method for surface grafting of acrylic acid and subsequent application of Cytacoat´s antibacterial coating. The surface coating on silicone exhibits very good antibacterial properties in parity with that measured on previous products (nasal prongs) that have been surface modified using electron beam initiation. In addition, Cytacoat has initiated cooperation with two global manufacturers of medical devices. One stated goal is to develop a coated urinary tract catheter.

Expected results and effects

We have developed an operational wet chemical initiation method for silicone and evaluated surface-coated samples for bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The coated silicone materials have an initial bacteriostatic effect and effectively counteract biofilm formation. We have initiated cooperation with two global manufacturers of medical device equipment where we aim is to develop a coated urinary tract catheter. The next step will be to develop scaling up of the silicone process and the development of wet chemical initiation methods for other materials.

Planned approach and implementation

A new wet chemical initiation method was developed for silicone where grafting of acrylic acid and coupling of CytaCoat´s antibacterial coating could be successfully carried out. The surface-modified and coated silicone materials were mainly evaluated for antibacterial properties. After brief exposure of bacteria, a bacteriostatic effect was observed and at longer exposures an effective inhibition of biofilm formation was observed. The results have been very successful and we are now planning ahead to be able to scale up the process and develop new methods for other materials.