Dual-Layer Nanoengineered Urinary Catheters for Enhanced Antimicrobial Efficacy and Reduced Cytotoxicity

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a prevalent healthcare-associated infection with inadequate current treatments.
• Novel antimicrobial strategies are crucial for preventing CAUTI and improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel dual-layer nanoengineered urinary catheter using zinc (Zn) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
• To assess the antimicrobial efficacy, cytotoxicity, and long-term performance of the Zn/AgNPs-coated catheter against common UTI pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a urinary catheter with an inner AgNPs layer and an outer porous Zn layer.
• In vitro testing of antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, including biofilm inhibition.
• In vivo evaluation in a rabbit model to assess efficacy, durability, and inflammatory response.

Main Results:

• Zn/AgNPs-coated catheters achieved 99.9% E. coli and 99.7% S. aureus reduction.
• Significant suppression of biofilm formation and sludge compared to control groups (p < 0.05).
• In vivo studies showed a durable barrier against bacterial colonization with reduced inflammation and epithelial disruption.

Conclusions:

• The dual-layer Zn/AgNPs nanoengineered catheter demonstrates potent and sustained antimicrobial activity.
• This innovative catheter design shows significant promise for preventing CAUTI and revolutionizing antimicrobial medical devices.
• Further preclinical studies are warranted to confirm efficacy and safety for clinical application.