Antifouling urinary catheters with shape-memory topographic patterns
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11406792-B2
Publication Date
2022-08-09
Expiration Date
2036-09-02
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Abstract
A system of topographic patterns for the prevention of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The patterns may be provided on the surfaces of certain devices that are prone to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, such as urinary catheters. To reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, and to remove existing biofilms, the patterns are induced to transform from a first topography to a second topography. For example, the surface patterns may be formed from a shape memory polymer and then heated to transform the patterns from the first topography to the second topography to dislodge bacteria and prevent fouling.
Core Innovation
The invention introduces medical devices, especially urinary catheters, with surfaces engineered to prevent bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation by applying specific topographic patterns. These topographies, such as linear or hexagonal patterns, are created using shape memory polymers, enabling the device surface to transform from a first topography to a second, distinct topography when triggered by stimuli like heat.
The surface transformation is utilized to both prevent initial bacterial adhesion as well as to remove established biofilms by disrupting cell clusters and detaching microbial structures from the surface. This is achieved through the controlled deformation of the shape memory polymer, which can switch its surface features, for instance, changing the orientation or pattern structure of micro- and nano-scaled lines or hexagons.
Existing approaches to biofilm control on medical devices are limited by manufacturing difficulty, empirical design, lack of long-term activity, or insufficient applicability for catheters. This invention addresses the significant problem of catheter-associated infections, particularly the persistence and resilience of bacterial biofilms that threaten patient health and burden healthcare systems. By utilizing programmable, transformable topographies, the device offers an advanced, non-antimicrobial solution for both prevention and active removal of biofilms.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims in this patent, each covering key inventive features related to medical devices using shape memory polymers with transformable topographic surfaces.
Catheter inside surface formed from shape memory polymer with transformable topography
A medical device comprising a catheter with an inside surface made from a shape memory polymer capable of transforming from a first topography having a first linear pattern to a second topography that is different from the first. The inventive feature is the use of a shape memory polymer for the inside surface, which can switch between distinct surface topographies (such as different orientations or patterns), with transformations triggered, for example, by heat.
Shape memory polymer surface programmed to transform from hexagonal recessive pattern to flat surface
A medical device comprising a surface formed from a shape memory polymer programmed to switch from a first topography, which has a hexagonal recessive pattern made of individual hexagon elements, to a second, flat surface topography. This covers not just catheters but any medical device with a surface formed from a shape memory polymer engineered to undergo such a defined topographic transformation in response to suitable stimuli.
The independent claims cover (1) a catheter with an interior shape memory polymer surface that can transform between specific linear or other patterns and (2) a broader device surface having shape memory polymer programmable between a hexagonal pattern and a flat surface, collectively protecting the core technology of antifouling devices with dynamically tunable topographic surfaces.
Stated Advantages
Prevents bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on device surfaces by using defined topographic patterns.
Allows removal of existing biofilms by triggering a rapid shape change in the surface topography.
Provides prolonged antifouling activity compared to static designs.
Does not rely on antimicrobial agents or coatings, addressing concerns about antimicrobial resistance.
Shape memory polymer materials used are biocompatible.
The dynamic topography can be triggered by non-invasive means such as heat.
Patterned surfaces are designed for manufacturing feasibility and can be integrated into existing catheter fabrication methods.
Documented Applications
Urinary catheters with antifouling surfaces to prevent and remove bacterial biofilms, reducing the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
Medical devices where bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation present a problem, including applications for preventing chronic infections related to device implants.
Devices using biocompatible shape memory polymers for dynamic topographic control to inhibit biofilm formation and enable on-demand biofilm removal.
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