Bacterial biofilm formation on urologic devices and heparin coating as preventive strategy.
In the process of endourological development a variety of foreign bodies have been invented besides urinary catheters, on which biofilm can be formed. Bacteria in the biofilm are less susceptible to antibiotics. An additional problem of medical biomaterials in the urinary tract environment is the development of encrustation and consecutive obstruction. The most promising prevention strategy for bacterial biofilms is the production of materials with anti-adhesive surfaces such as heparin. Although heparin-coated ureteral stents are expensive, they justify their cost. Our studies show that such devices are protected against incrustation and biofilm formation for a longer period of time: 6-12 months, both in vitro and in vivo.
Tenke
Peter
P
Department of Urology, Jahn Ferenc South-Pest Hospital, H-1204 Budapest, Köves u. 2-4, Hungary. tenkep@mail.datanet.hu
Riedl
Claus R
CR
Jones
Gwennan Ll
GL
Williams
Gareth J
GJ
Stickler
David
D
Nagy
Elisabeth
E
D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D018441:Biofilms; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006493:Heparin; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D014572:Urology / Q000379:methods
D006493:Heparin