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Papain immobilized polyurethane as an ureteral stent material
Cynthya Maria Manohar1, Mukesh Doble1
1Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, 600036, Tamilnadu, India.
Summary
This study modified polyurethane ureteral stents with papain enzyme to combat infection. The new material significantly reduced bacterial biofilm and salt buildup, offering a promising anti-infective solution.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
Background:
- Long-term ureteral stent use is limited by bacterial biofilm formation and salt deposition, leading to infections.
- Polyurethane (PU) stents are prone to these complications, necessitating improved material properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel anti-infective ureteral stent material by immobilizing papain onto polyurethane.
- To assess the efficacy of the modified PU in preventing biofilm formation and salt encrustation.
Main Methods:
- Covalent immobilization of papain onto PU using glutaraldehyde.
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm enzyme immobilization.
- Evaluation of bacterial reduction (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli), biofilm components (protein, carbohydrate), salt deposition (calcium, magnesium), and cytotoxicity (L6 myoblast cells).
Main Results:
- Immobilized papain retained 85% of its original activity.
- Significant reduction in live bacterial colonies (8 log for S. aureus, 7 log for E. coli).
- Decreased biofilm protein and carbohydrate content (3-4 times) and reduced salt deposition (40%).
- Non-cytotoxic nature confirmed by 80% L6 myoblast cell viability.
Conclusions:
- Papain-immobilized polyurethane presents a viable strategy to overcome ureteral stent-associated biofilm and salt encrustation.
- The modified PU demonstrates potent anti-infective properties and good biocompatibility.
- Further investigation into this approach could lead to improved ureteral stent designs.
