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Updated: Jun 3, 2025
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Antimicrobial Characterization of Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Applications
Published on: August 4, 2018
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A novel multilayer antimicrobial urinary catheter material with antimicrobial properties
Benjamin Gambrill1, Fabrizio Pertusati1, Iqbal Shergill2
1Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Redwood Building King Edward VII Ave Cardiff CF10 3NB UK prokopovichp@cf.ac.uk.
Materials Advances
|January 9, 2025
Summary
This study developed a novel urinary catheter using layer-by-layer assembly to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The new catheter releases an antimicrobial agent for at least 14 days, significantly inhibiting bacterial growth.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Urinary catheterization is a common medical procedure but poses a significant risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
- CAUTIs can lead to severe complications like sepsis, necessitating effective preventative strategies.
- Current antimicrobial strategies for catheters have limitations, driving the need for innovative solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel multilayer urinary catheter incorporating an antimicrobial agent for sustained release.
- To assess the antimicrobial efficacy and drug release profile of the developed catheter under various conditions.
- To investigate the potential of poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) in combination with chlorhexidine (CHX) for preventing CAUTIs.
Main Methods:
- A multilayer catheter was fabricated using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique, combining alginate, chlorhexidine (CHX), and poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) on a silicone base.
- The CHX release kinetics were measured in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4, pH 5, and simulated urine at 37°C.
- Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by incubating the catheter material with bacterial cultures and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CHX for clinical UTI isolates.
Main Results:
- The developed multilayer catheter demonstrated sustained release of CHX for a minimum of 14 days in all tested media (PBS pH 7.4, pH 5, and simulated urine).
- The catheter material significantly inhibited bacterial growth compared to standard materials after 24-hour incubation.
- The hydrolysis of PBAE at pH 5 resulted in a prolonged release of CHX, extending the period of bacterial growth inhibition.
Conclusions:
- The novel LbL-assembled multilayer catheter effectively releases CHX for an extended period, offering a promising strategy for preventing CAUTIs.
- The use of PBAE in conjunction with CHX represents a new approach for developing antimicrobial urinary catheters.
- This innovative catheter design has the potential to reduce the incidence of CAUTIs and associated complications.
