Back to results

Development of a burden-responsive antimicrobial hydrogel catheter coating for the prevention of urinary catheter related infection

Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) occurs when an infection in the urinary tract is attributed to the presence of an indwelling catheter. CAUTI is amongst the most common causes of health care associated infection and is often caused by drug resistant bacteria, which colonise the catheter surface in communities known as biofilms. These biofilms are slimy layers that form on both inner and outer catheter surfaces, protecting the bacteria from killing by antimicrobials and often leading to blockage of the catheter. CAUTI is associated with significant patient morbidity and frequently leads to bloodstream infections, which can be fatal. This project will investigate the development and preliminary testing of a new catheter coating that releases an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) in response to bacterial growth. AMPs can kill bacteria by punching holes in their membranes. They have also been shown to reduce the formation of bacterial biofilm. We will first formulate the hydrogel-based catheter coating and load it with the AMP. We will then investigate the release of AMPs from the hydrogel in response to bacterial growth. Finally, we will evaluate the ability of the antimicrobial hydrogel coating to prevent bacterial biofilm formation on a urinary catheter.