Antimicrobial catheters with cell and tissue compatibility

Polymer Exploration Group LLC PA Abstract Project Title Antimicrobial catheters with cell and tissue compatibility Abstract Catheter associated urinary tract infections CAUTIs are often encountered with subsequent antibiotic administration contributing to buildup of bacterial resistance Leaving behind customary methods including release of silver and antimicrobials PEG LLC is developing a new approach to produce catheters that kill bacteria but are compatible with human cells The promise of this new overcoat method is not based on any single characteristic but on an unprecedented combination of features These include an intelligent choice for economical chemistry and processing Proposed Phase II research is based on a promising paradigm breaking approach coupled with in vitro and in vivo evaluations designed to assess feasibility and FDA requirements A strong interdisciplinary team is dedicated to bottoms up biomaterials engineering that fills a strong need in the face of top down requirements to achieve such unprecedented capabilities economically Indeed PEG LLC research promises to have a major impact not only on improving patient outcomes but in providing an economic benefit in reducing the rapidly rising cost of medical care Key Words catheters overcoat cell compatibility antimicrobial Polymer Exploration Group LLC Phase II Project Narrative NIH SBIR Award R DK A Project Narrative Relevance Infection is a serious medical complication associated with health care environments Catheter associated urinary tract infections CAUTIs are important contributors to such infections with estimates ranging from Women those with strokes the disabled and the elderly are particularly susceptible to CAUTIs Polymer Exploration Group PEG LLC is developing a new approach to greatly reduce the incidence of CAUTIs The new PEG LLC approach does not use antibiotics or antimicrobials that lead to super bugs PEG LLC also avoids heavy metals like silver In summary PEG LLC is aiming to eliminate infections with comfort and safety for patients Results thus far show exciting promise for bringing much needed innovation to catheter technology