An infection inhibiting urinary catheter material

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Disease Research
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Catheter-associated bacteriuria (CAB) is a prevalent healthcare-associated infection.
• Current urinary catheters can lead to bacterial colonization and infection.
• Novel materials are needed to prevent catheter-related infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize an infection-inhibiting urinary catheter material.
• To evaluate the sustained release and antibacterial efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) within a silicone elastomer matrix.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of silicone rubber elastomer compounded with a chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) matrix.
• Suspension of CHG in a water-soluble wax to modulate release.
• Assessment of CHG dispersion and release kinetics via diffusion analysis and HPLC.
• In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity using zone inhibition testing against key pathogens.

Main Results:

• A method was established for incorporating CHG into silicone rubber, with CHG dispersed via diffusion.
• The material demonstrated significant in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
• Sustained release of CHG was observed for over 4 weeks, with a 5% loading releasing at ~8.4 mg/cm²/day.

Conclusions:

• The developed CHG-releasing silicone elastomer shows potential for fabricating urinary catheters.
• This material can provide sustained protection against bacterial colonization and infection.
• It offers a promising strategy to reduce the incidence of catheter-associated bacteriuria.