Surface-Treated Pellethanes: Comparative Quantification of Encrustation in Artificial Urine Solution

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Urology
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Urinary tract device encrustation leads to significant patient morbidity.
• Pellethane thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a strong, porous material with solvent resistance.
• Surface modification of medical devices is crucial for improving biocompatibility and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the encrustation resistance of Pellethane TPU with and without 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TETRA) coatings.
• To compare the encrustation potential of coated Pellethane TPU against a traditional hydrogel-coated ureteral stent.
• To analyze the composition of encrustations formed on the tested materials.

Main Methods:

• A batch-flow model using artificial urine solution (AUS) was employed over 90 days.
• Pellethane TPU samples, coated and uncoated, alongside a control stent, were incubated at 37°C.
• Scanning electron microscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) were used for analysis.

Main Results:

• Coated Pellethane TPU showed significantly reduced mass increase: HEMA-coated (2.90%) and TETRA-coated (0.60%) compared to uncoated (11.50%) and the control stent (63.78%).
• Encrustations on coated Pellethane were primarily ionic, while the control stent showed non-ionic encrustation.
• Pellethane TPU, especially with HEMA and TETRA coatings, demonstrated superior resistance to encrustation.

Conclusions:

• Pellethane TPU, particularly with HEMA or TETRA surface coatings, offers improved resistance to encrustation in artificial urine.
• These findings suggest Pellethane TPU is a promising alternative material for urinary tract devices.
• Coated Pellethane TPU could potentially reduce morbidity associated with implanted urinary devices.