Nasogastric tube based on synergistic resistance reduction and lubrication of micro-nano texture and antibacterial hydrogel
By designing micro-nano structures on the surface of the nasogastric tube and coating it with an antibacterial hydrogel coating, the problems of high friction and easy infection during the insertion of the nasogastric tube are solved, achieving durable lubrication performance and antibacterial effect, thus improving patient comfort and operation efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510955890.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing nasogastric tubes have high friction and strong hydrophobicity during insertion, which causes discomfort to patients and easily leads to bacterial infection. Traditional lubrication methods are ineffective and complicated to operate.
Micro-nano structures were designed on the surface of the nasogastric tube and coated with an antibacterial hydrogel coating. The pit structure was prepared by UV-LIGA photolithography. The hydrogel coating was combined to improve lubrication performance and provide antibacterial ability.
It significantly reduces frictional resistance, improves insertion comfort, lowers the risk of infection, simplifies clinical procedures, and enhances safety and efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN120962924A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nasogastric tube processing technology, specifically, a nasogastric tube based on the synergistic drag reduction and lubrication of micro-nano texture and antibacterial hydrogel. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of disease treatment, the clinical demand for implantable medical catheters (such as nasogastric tubes, central venous catheters, and vascular catheters) has shown a significant upward trend in recent years. Clinical data shows that the incidence of bacterial infection in patients with catheters can be as high as 50% within 10 days post-procedure, and can reach 100% after 30 days. Catheter-related bloodstream infection is defined as bacteremia or fungemia occurring in patients with indwelling endovascular catheters or within 48 hours after catheter removal, accompanied by infection symptoms such as fever, chills, and hypotension. Standard treatment includes timely catheter removal, skin disinfection, and antibiotic therapy. Given the aforementioned high infection rate and the life-threatening complications it causes (such as sepsis and thrombosis), the development of medical catheters with antibacterial and lubricating functions is crucial for effectively reducing discomfort caused by friction and preventing bacterial infection and thrombosis. When humans or animals experience chewing and swallowing difficulties, choking, or malnutrition, electrolyte or dehydration due to prolonged eating time or insufficient food intake, or even loss of consciousness preventing them from swallowing, veterinarians typically insert a nasogastric tube to deliver liquid nutrients directly to the stomach. This reduces choking during eating, sustains the animal's life, and saves caregivers time and manpower when feeding the animal.
[0003] Silicone rubber has a surface modulus that is severely mismatched with human mucous membranes and is mostly hydrophobic. The frictional resistance during insertion causes significant mechanical irritation to the nasopharyngeal and esophageal mucosa. Furthermore, as a hydrophobic material, it has low surface energy, a high coefficient of friction, and no antibacterial effect, easily leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Doctors often coat the surface of the nasogastric tube with paraffin oil to reduce insertion resistance, but this is less effective, less durable, and requires a longer procedure time. Specifically, common nasogastric tubes have the following technical defects during use: 1. High friction: The surface is hydrophobic, which results in high friction during insertion, causing discomfort or even pain to the patient, especially causing greater mechanical irritation to the nasopharynx and esophagus.
[0004] 2. Limitations of paraffin oil lubrication: To reduce frictional resistance during nasogastric tube insertion, paraffin oil is typically applied to its surface. However, this method has limited effectiveness and a short duration of action. Paraffin oil gradually loses its lubricating properties over time, and the lack of lubrication during removal often results in greater resistance, causing patient discomfort, secondary infection, and increasing the burden on clinical staff due to the complex and time-consuming application process.
[0005] 3. Biocompatibility issues: Due to the mismatch in modulus between the surface of the polymer material and the human mucous membrane, the nasogastric tube is prone to damage to the nasal cavity and esophagus during insertion. Ordinary catheters do not have antibacterial functions, which can easily lead to bacterial infections and a series of complications after insertion. Furthermore, the lack of lasting lubrication from the polymer material further increases the discomfort caused by this resistance. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a nasogastric tube based on a synergistic drag-reducing and lubricating effect of micro-nano texture and antibacterial hydrogel, addressing the problems of high friction and strong surface hydrophobicity in existing polymer nasogastric tubes during use. By designing micro-nano structures on the surface of the nasogastric tube, the frictional performance during insertion is significantly improved, reducing resistance during insertion. Furthermore, the surface of the nasogastric tube is hydrophilically modified by coating it with a hydrogel, giving it excellent wetting properties, enhancing the smoothness of insertion, reducing damage to the patient's nasal cavity and throat, improving comfort during use, and also providing a certain degree of anti-fouling and antibacterial ability, reducing unnecessary bacterial infections and discomfort caused by friction during use.
[0007] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions: A nasogastric tube based on the synergistic drag reduction and lubrication of micro / nano texture and antibacterial hydrogel includes the following steps: Step 1: Create a mold using UV-LIGA lithography. The UV-LIGA process is used to lithographically create a photoresist male mold with a pitted structure on a SiO2 substrate glass plate.
[0008] Step 2: Casting, curing, and demolding; Mix liquid PDMS and curing agent at a certain mass ratio, and use an electric mixer to stir evenly to ensure thorough mixing. Then, place the mixture in a vacuum drying oven for vacuum degassing to completely eliminate the gas in the mixed colloid. Pour the evenly mixed PDMS into a pre-prepared mold, with a photolithographically etched substrate glass sheet as the side, to prepare a cylindrical nasogastric tube with a micro-dimpled texture on the outside.
[0009] Step 3: The nasogastric tube obtained in Step 2 is subjected to plasma treatment to give it hydroxyl groups on its surface. Then it is immersed in an ethanol solution and then immersed in a hydrogel prepolymer solution and irradiated under ultraviolet light to quickly initiate the grafting and formation of a hydrogel coating.
[0010] Furthermore, in step one, molds with different pit diameters and pit depths can be created by adjusting the size of the mask and the intensity of the light.
[0011] Further, the hydrogel prepolymer solution described in step three is prepared by the following steps: 4g of acrylamide, 1.0g of polyvinylpyrrolidone, 0.5g of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfonic acid propyl)ammonium hydroxide, 0.01g of 1% photoinitiator 2959, and 0.01g of methylenebisacrylamide are added to 10mL of deionized water in a beaker and stirred until homogeneous to obtain the hydrogel prepolymer solution.
[0012] Furthermore, the hydrogel prepolymer solution also includes 0.2 g of zinc sulfate heptahydrate as a formulation component to provide Zn. 2+ Antibacterial ingredients.
[0013] Furthermore, the soaking time in step three is 10-20 minutes; preferably 15 minutes.
[0014] When the nasogastric tube obtained by the above processing method is inserted into the human body, the presence of bodily fluids in the nasal cavity allows the pitted texture on the surface to store the fluid during insertion. Upon compression, the lubricating oil is extruded back to the contact surface for secondary lubrication, significantly reducing friction during insertion and alleviating patient discomfort. Furthermore, an antibacterial lubricating hydrogel coating is applied to its surface. This coating's excellent hydrophilicity improves the hydrophobicity of the original polymer material on the nasogastric tube surface, increasing the smoothness of insertion. Additionally, certain elements are added to the hydrogel ([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfonylpropyl)ammonium hydroxide, a compound that exerts antibacterial activity by combining its sulfonic acid groups with ammonium hydroxide, and Zn). 2+ (Antibacterial ingredients) provide better antibacterial properties and prevent secondary infections.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: (1) Reduce frictional resistance: The design of the micro-nano structure on the surface of the nasogastric tube effectively reduces the contact area between the nasogastric tube and human tissue. In the body fluid, due to the presence of the surface texture, the lubricating fluid stored in the texture can provide secondary lubrication, thereby greatly reducing friction, improving the comfort of insertion, and reducing the patient's pain.
[0016] (2) Enhanced hydrophilicity and antibacterial properties: By applying a hydrogel coating, the coating is configured to adsorb and retain moisture, forming a stable lubricating hydration layer on its surface to effectively reduce friction and irritation and provide long-lasting lubrication. The coating is designed to have sufficient durability to maintain its structural integrity, lubrication performance, and stability under clinical operating conditions. The coating preferably exhibits good biocompatibility, ensuring its safety and reliability during clinical application and preventing adverse biological reactions. The nasogastric tube surface is given an antibacterial coating, reducing the risk of thrombosis and infection, improving user comfort and clinical operating efficiency. The surface of the nasogastric tube changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, greatly improving its wetting properties. The nasogastric tube exhibits good lubrication during insertion, avoiding discomfort caused by dryness.
[0017] (3) Improve clinical operation efficiency: This invention effectively shortens the catheterization time, reduces the workload of nursing staff, and improves the safety and comfort of patients, while avoiding the inconvenience of traditional lubrication methods (such as paraffin oil).
[0018] (4) Durability: Compared with traditional lubrication methods, surface texture and modification technology have a more durable effect and avoid the trouble of frequently reapplying lubricant. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the process for preparing surface textures according to the present invention; Figure 2 A diagram showing the shape of the surface texture on the surface of the nasogastric tube; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the detailed preparation process of the hydrogel coating textured on the surface. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0022] The hydrogel prepolymer solutions used in Examples 1 and 2 below were prepared through the following steps: Take 4g of acrylamide, 1.0g of polyvinylpyrrolidone, 0.5g of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide, 0.01g of 1% photoinitiator 2959, and 0.01g of methylenebisacrylamide, add them to 10mL of deionized water in a beaker and stir until homogeneous to obtain the hydrogel prepolymer solution.
[0023] Compared with the hydrogel prepolymer solutions used in Examples 1 and 2, the hydrogel prepolymer solution used in Example 3 has an additional 0.2g of zinc sulfate heptahydrate added to the formulation.
[0024] Example 1 Step 1: Fabricate the mold using UV-LIGA lithography. The UV-LIGA process is used to photolithographically create a photoresist male mold with a pitted structure on a SiO2-based glass substrate, such as... Figure 1 As shown, different pit diameters and pit depths can be created by adjusting the mask size and lighting intensity.
[0025] Step Two: Casting, Curing, and Demolding; Mix Sylgard 184 liquid PDMS and curing agent at a mass ratio of 10:1, and stir evenly with an electric mixer to ensure thorough mixing. Then, place the mixture in a vacuum drying oven for vacuum degassing to completely remove any gas from the colloid. Pour the uniformly mixed PDMS into a pre-prepared mold, using a photolithographically etched substrate glass sheet as the side, to create a cylindrical nasogastric tube with a micro-dimpled texture on the outer side. (Example:...) Figure 2 As shown.
[0026] Step 3: First, the catheter is plasma-treated to give its surface hydroxyl groups. It is then immersed in an ethanol solution for 10 minutes, followed by immersion in a hydrogel pre-solution (containing acrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfonic acid propionic acid)ammonium hydroxide, 1% photoinitiator 2959, and a small amount of methylenebisacrylamide). A layer of hydrogel solution is then applied. The treated silicone nasogastric tube is then immersed in the hydrogel prepolymer solution and irradiated under ultraviolet light to rapidly initiate grafting and form a hydrogel coating. Figure 3 As shown.
[0027] Example 2 Step 1: Fabricate the mold using UV-LIGA lithography. The UV-LIGA process is used to photolithographically create a photoresist male mold with a pitted structure on a SiO2-based glass substrate, such as... Figure 1 As shown, different pit diameters and pit depths can be created by adjusting the mask size and lighting intensity.
[0028] Step Two: Casting, Curing, and Demolding; Mix Sylgard 184 liquid PDMS and curing agent (containing hydrogen silicone oil) at a mass ratio of 10:1, and stir evenly with an electric mixer to ensure thorough mixing. Then, place the mixture in a vacuum drying oven for vacuum degassing to completely remove any gas from the colloid. Pour the uniformly mixed PDMS into a pre-prepared mold, using a photolithographically etched substrate glass sheet as the side, to create a cylindrical nasogastric tube with a micro-dimpled texture on the outer side. (Example:...) Figure 2 As shown.
[0029] Step 3: First, the catheter is plasma-treated to give its surface hydroxyl groups. It is then immersed in an ethanol solution for 15 minutes, followed by immersion in a hydrogel pre-solution (containing acrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfonic acid propionic acid)ammonium hydroxide, 1% photoinitiator 2959, and a small amount of methylenebisacrylamide). A layer of hydrogel solution is then applied. The treated silicone nasogastric tube is then immersed in the hydrogel prepolymer solution and irradiated under ultraviolet light to rapidly initiate grafting and form the hydrogel coating. Figure 3 As shown.
[0030] Example 3 Step 1: Fabricate the mold using UV-LIGA lithography. The UV-LIGA process is used to photolithographically create a photoresist male mold with a pitted structure on a SiO2-based glass substrate, such as... Figure 1 As shown, different pit diameters and pit depths can be created by adjusting the mask size and lighting intensity.
[0031] Step Two: Casting, Curing, and Demolding; Mix Sylgard 184 liquid PDMS and curing agent (containing hydrogen silicone oil) at a mass ratio of 10:1, and stir evenly with an electric mixer to ensure thorough mixing. Then, place the mixture in a vacuum drying oven for vacuum degassing to completely remove any gas from the colloid. Pour the uniformly mixed PDMS into a pre-prepared mold, using a photolithographically etched substrate glass sheet as the side, to create a cylindrical nasogastric tube with a micro-dimpled texture on the outer side. (Example:...) Figure 2 As shown.
[0032] Step 3: First, the catheter is plasma-treated to give its surface hydroxyl groups. It is then immersed in an ethanol solution for 20 minutes, followed by immersion in a hydrogel pre-solution (containing acrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfonic acid propionic acid)ammonium hydroxide, 1% photoinitiator 2959, and a small amount of methylenebisacrylamide). A layer of hydrogel solution is then applied. The treated silicone nasogastric tube is then immersed in the hydrogel prepolymer solution and irradiated under ultraviolet light to rapidly initiate grafting and form a hydrogel coating. Figure 3 As shown.
[0033] The above detailed embodiments provide a specific description of the analytical methods involved in this invention. It should be noted that the above description is only intended to help those skilled in the art better understand the methods and ideas of this invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Without departing from the principles of this invention, those skilled in the art can make appropriate adjustments or modifications to this invention, and such adjustments and modifications should also fall within the protection scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A nasogastric tube based on the synergistic drag reduction and lubrication of micro / nano texture and antibacterial hydrogel, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Fabricate the mold using UV-LIGA lithography. The UV-LIGA process is used to photolithographically create a photoresist positive mold with a pit structure on a SiO2 substrate glass plate. Step 2: Casting, curing, and demolding; Mix liquid PDMS and curing agent in a certain mass ratio, stir evenly, then perform vacuum degassing treatment, and then pour into a pre-prepared mold. The mold is made with a photolithographic substrate glass sheet as the side, forming a cylindrical nasogastric tube with micro-dimpled texture on the outside. Step 3: The nasogastric tube obtained in Step 2 is subjected to plasma treatment to give it hydroxyl groups on its surface. Then it is immersed in an ethanol solution and then immersed in a hydrogel prepolymer solution. Grafting is performed under ultraviolet light to quickly initiate the formation of a hydrogel coating.
2. The nasogastric tube based on the synergistic drag reduction and lubrication of micro-nano texture and antibacterial hydrogel according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step one, molds with different pit diameters and pit depths can be created by adjusting the size of the mask and the intensity of the light, so as to set the surface texture and find a suitable size to improve the surface of the nasogastric tube to achieve the best friction reduction effect.
3. The nasogastric tube based on the synergistic drag reduction and lubrication of micro-nano texture and antibacterial hydrogel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogel prepolymer solution described in step three is prepared by the following steps: Take 4g of acrylamide, 1.0g of polyvinylpyrrolidone, 0.5g of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide, 0.01g of 1% photoinitiator 2959, and 0.01g of methylenebisacrylamide, add them to 10mL of deionized water in a beaker and stir until homogeneous to obtain the hydrogel prepolymer solution.
4. A nasogastric tube based on synergistic drag reduction and lubrication of micro-nano texture and antibacterial hydrogel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The polymer solution of the hydrogel also includes 0.2 g of zinc sulfate heptahydrate as a formulation component to provide Zn. 2+ Antibacterial ingredients.
5. A nasogastric tube based on the synergistic drag reduction and lubrication of micro / nano texture and antibacterial hydrogel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soaking time in step three is 10-20 minutes.