Frontiers in Microbiology (Jun 2021)

A Novel Device-Integrated Drug Delivery System for Local Inhibition of Urinary Tract Infection

  • Kristian Stærk,
  • Rasmus Birkholm Grønnemose,
  • Yaseelan Palarasah,
  • Hans Jørn Kolmos,
  • Lars Lund,
  • Martin Alm,
  • Peter Thomsen,
  • Thomas Emil Andersen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.685698
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a frequent community-acquired infection and the most common nosocomial infection. Here, we developed a novel antimicrobial catheter concept that utilizes a silicone-based interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) as balloon material to facilitate a topical slow-release prophylaxis of antibacterial agents across the balloon to the urinary bladder.Methods: The balloon material was achieved by modifying low shore hardness silicone tubes with a hydrogel interpenetrating polymer in supercritical CO2 using the sequential method. Release properties and antibacterial efficacy of the IPN balloon treatment concept was investigated in vitro and in a porcine CAUTI model developed for the study. In the latter, Bactiguard Infection Protection (BIP) Foley catheters were also assessed to enable benchmark with the traditional antimicrobial coating principle.Results: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli was undetectable in urinary bladders and on retrieved catheters in the IPN treatment group as compared to control that revealed significant bacteriuria (>105 colony forming units/ml) as well as catheter-associated biofilm. The BIP catheters failed to prevent E. coli colonization of the bladder but significantly reduced catheter biofilm formation compared to the control.Conclusion: The IPN-catheter concept provides a novel, promising delivery route for local treatment in the urinary tract.

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