BoostLab4-4: AntiBacCat - Bioinspired Antimicrobial Coatings for Venous Catheters
Project duration
January 1, 2022 to Dezember 31, 2024
Project partners
DWI – Leibniz Institute of Interactive Materials, AG Prof. Ulrich Schwaneberg, AG Dr. César Rodriguez-Emmenegger
Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Clinic for Anesthesiology
Project description
Our goal is to develop next generation venous catheter coatings that simultaneously prevent bacterial infections and thromboembolic events. To this end, the most advanced technologies from academia are being further developed to be integrated into the current production process at our industrial partner Vygon.
Venous catheters are indispensable components of modern medical practice and contribute significantly to improving the therapeutic outcome of patients. Despite advanced catheter technologies, complications often occur with their use, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality and an increase in healthcare costs. Even the surface of the most advanced catheters inevitably activates blood clotting. This leads to the accumulation of fibrin and other blood components on the surface of the catheter and results in the formation of thrombi and a fibrin sheath, causing catheter occlusion and vascular damage. The deposition of blood components on the catheter surface significantly promotes colonization with bacteria and the formation of biofilms that are difficult to treat. In AntiBacCat, a nanocoating is developed that exhibits bactericidal activity and simultaneously repels blood components and bacteria, known as the "kill-and-repell" principle.
AntiBacCat will bridge the gap between the most advanced antifouling coatings from academia and the current requirements and economic challenges of the catheter industry to enable companies from the Rhineland area to achieve a unique position in the market.
Open positions
currently none