Surface treatment of connectors

Abstract

A connector for an infusion tube has a hydrophobic antistatic coating on its outer surface. The hydrophobic antistatic coating does not react with isopropanol and chlorhexidine. A method of treating a connector for an infusion line may include providing a coating of a hydrophobic antistatic material on an outer surface of the connector that is not reactive with isopropanol and chlorhexidine.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 454,887, entitled “SURFACE TREATMENT FOR CONNECTORS”, filed March 27, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of surface modification of polymer materials. More particularly, this disclosure relates to surface modification for improving the chemical resistance of materials used in the manufacture of connectors. Background Technology

[0004] Infusion lines used to deliver therapeutic agents into a patient typically include connectors to join the various components of the line together. Luer connectors are commonly used in such applications because of their reliability and ease of use. However, such connectors are also susceptible to failure due to a variety of factors, including exposure to reactive chemicals such as alcohols, interactions with infusion fluids that have a wide range of pH and reactivity, and mechanical stress from connections with other connector components.

[0005] In particular, male Luer components are prone to higher failure rates because their outer surfaces are exposed to friction and may react with residual chemicals due to changes in surface chemistry. Plastic Luer components must comply with certain ISO standards, such as ISO 594-2 and 80369-7, for dimensional and functional compliance. Materials commonly used in connectors include, but are not limited to, ABS, rigid PVC, and acrylic polymers. However, given the diverse chemicals and mechanical stresses exposed to connectors, different materials or surface treatments may be required to increase chemical resistance while maintaining the overall performance of the connector. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The techniques disclosed herein can advantageously provide improved reliability for connectors used in infusion tubing. Furthermore, the techniques disclosed herein can increase the chemical resistance of connectors used in infusion tubing. Advantageously, the techniques disclosed herein can also reduce mechanical failure (e.g., cracking) of connectors caused by chemical decomposition of connector materials without impairing the overall mechanical and / or chemical properties of the connector materials.

[0007] Furthermore, the methods described herein address the degradation of connector surface properties due to exposure to reactive chemicals and pharmaceutical compositions, as well as solvents and solutions with a wide pH range. In particular, these methods are formulated to improve the chemical resistance of the outer surface of connectors used for connecting infusion tubing. Moreover, the disclosed methods provide low-cost techniques for increasing the chemical resistance of connectors and reducing failure events that could lead to leaks, inconvenience to patients and caregivers, and waste of pharmaceutical compositions. While specific applications include the medical industry, these techniques have broad application potential in other industries as well.

[0008] In one embodiment, a connector for an infusion tube is provided. The connector has a hydrophobic and antistatic coating on its outer surface. The hydrophobic and antistatic coating does not react with isopropanol and chlorhexidine.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method of treating a connector for an infusion tube may include providing a coating of a hydrophobic and antistatic material that does not react with isopropanol and chlorhexidine on the outer surface of the connector.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method is provided for testing the chemical resistance of a connector for an infusion tubing. The method may include measuring the water contact angle on the outer surface of the connector to obtain a first water contact angle WCA1. The connector is then immersed in a solution containing isopropanol for a period of approximately 1 hour to approximately 6 hours. After removing the connector from the isopropanol solution, the water contact angle on the outer surface of the connector is measured again to obtain a second water contact angle WCA2. WCA1 and WCA2 are then compared, and if WCA2 is within approximately 10% of WCA1, the connector is considered to have acceptable chemical resistance.

[0011] Additional features and advantages of this subject matter will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of this subject matter. The advantages of this subject matter will be realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, its embodiments, and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Various features of illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, not limit, the invention. The drawings include the following figures:

[0014] Figure 1 The Luer pipe assembly is shown.

[0015] Figure 2A-2D The male Luer hub is shown with various connector configurations.

[0016] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A cross-section of a Luer male connector is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] It should be understood that various configurations of the present subject matter will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, wherein the various configurations of the present subject matter are illustrated and described by way of illustration. As will be appreciated, the present subject matter can have other configurations and different configurations, and various details of the present subject matter can be modified in many other ways, all of which do not depart from the scope of the present subject matter. Therefore, the summary, drawings, and detailed description are to be considered illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0018] The specific embodiments described below are intended as a description of various configurations of the subject matter, and not as representing the only configuration that can be implemented to represent the subject matter. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and form part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details intended to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter can be implemented without these specific details. In some instances, to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject matter, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form. For ease of understanding, the same components are labeled with the same element numbers.

[0019] Typical materials used to manufacture infusion tubing connectors (e.g., in medical or laboratory applications) include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, acrylic polymers, and thermoplastic alloys. These materials are chosen because of their hardness and flexural modulus. However, these materials are also prone to reacting with sterilizing materials such as alcohols or chlorhexidine. Connector failures used in infusion tubing can be caused by a number of factors, including, but not limited to: reactions with chemicals in sterilizing materials, such as alcohols or chlorhexidine; reactions with chemicals infused through the tubing, which may include infusion fluids with a wide pH range, organic and inorganic solvents, lipids, etc.; and mechanical stress during connector connection and disconnection. Such connector failures lead to leaks, medical losses, and patient inconvenience.

[0020] When connectors are sterilized using, for example, disinfectant wipes to maintain sterility, Luer male connectors are particularly susceptible to breakage due to alcohols or other disinfecting chemicals (e.g., chlorhexidine). Alcohols react with the materials of the Luer connector, causing it to crack and damaging its surface. Furthermore, engagement with female Luer connectors or other NACs can lead to their breakage and failure due to mechanical stresses present on the Luer male connector during connection and disconnection.

[0021] To avoid such failures, one potential solution is to coat the outer surface of the connector with a hydrophobic and / or antistatic coating that does not react with alcohols and other disinfectants. Some factors that determine the material of such a coating are, but are not limited to: (a) the ability to provide a coating thickness ranging from several nanometers to several micrometers; (b) hydrophobic or antistatic; (c) a durable coating; and (d) non-reactive with disinfectant materials such as alcohols and chlorhexidine.

[0022] Therefore, in one aspect of this disclosure, a coating is provided for coating the outer surface of a connector. In some embodiments, the coating may comprise a hydrophobic material, such as silicone and / or other highly hydrophobic materials. Hydrophobic / superhydrophobic coatings (e.g., silicone) can be waterproof, stain-resistant, and resistant to hydrophilic infusion solutions, and are generally inert to disinfectants (e.g., alcohols and / or chlorhexidine). Hydrophobic surfaces can create a large contact angle, causing any solution in contact with the outer surface of the connector to roll off, resulting in reduced interaction between the fluid and the connector material. Because the residence time of the fluid on the material is reduced, chemical reactions between the connector's body material and the infusion solution / disinfectant wipes or any medication that may be infused to the patient are prevented or avoided. Therefore, in some embodiments, the coating is inert or non-reactive to solvents and / or chemicals used in the drug or pharmaceutical formulation (e.g., organic solvents, lipids, solutions with a wide pH range, etc., which will be infused through tubing and the connector).

[0023] In some embodiments, the coating may be an organosilicon coating. Examples of organosilicones include, but are not limited to, polyorganosiloxanes, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS); polyurethane organosilicon (PUNC), etc. The thickness of the coating may range from about 10 nm to about 1 μm. For example, in some embodiments, the coating thickness can be approximately 10 nm, approximately 20 nm, approximately 30 nm, approximately 40 nm, approximately 50 nm, approximately 60 nm, approximately 70 nm, approximately 80 nm, approximately 90 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 120 nm, approximately 140 nm, approximately 160 nm, approximately 180 nm, approximately 200 nm, approximately 220 nm, approximately 240 nm, approximately 260 nm, approximately 280 nm, approximately 300 nm, approximately 320 nm, approximately 340 nm, approximately 360 nm, approximately 380 nm, approximately 400 nm, approximately 420 nm, approximately 440 nm, approximately 460 nm, approximately 480 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 525 nm, approximately 550 nm, approximately 575 nm, approximately 600 nm, approximately 625 nm, approximately 650 nm, approximately 675 nm, approximately 700 nm, approximately 750 nm, approximately 800 nm, approximately 850 nm, etc. nm, approximately 900 nm, approximately 950 nm, approximately 1000 nm, or any other thickness between any two of these thicknesses.

[0024] As used herein, the term “about” is as understood by those skilled in the art relative to the actual value stated, and allows for approximations, inaccuracies, and measurement limits in the relevant context. In one or more aspects, the terms “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately” can provide industrially acceptable tolerances for the correlation between their respective terms and / or items, such as tolerances less than 1% to 10% of the actual value, as well as other suitable tolerances.

[0025] The coating is configured to make the connector surface hydrophobic. Therefore, the contact angle of a water droplet on the coated surface is greater than 90°. In some embodiments, the contact angle is at least about 95°, at least about 97°, at least about 100°, at least about 102°, at least about 105°, at least about 107°, at least about 110°, at least about 115°, at least about 120°, at least about 125°, at least about 130°, or at least about 135°. In some embodiments, the coating results in an increased contact angle of a water droplet on the uncoated surface.

[0026] In some embodiments, the connector can be any connector used to connect different components for medical or laboratory applications. For example, in some embodiments, the connector can be any connector used to connect two tubing lines or to connect tubing lines to a syringe, reservoir bag, or reservoir cap. In some embodiments, the connector is a Luer connector. In some embodiments, the connector is a Luer male connector.

[0027] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for providing a coating on a connector is provided. This method may include providing a coating of a hydrophobic, antistatic material that does not react with isopropanol and chlorhexidine on the outer surface of the connector. In some embodiments, the coating is an organosilicon.

[0028] In some embodiments, providing the coating includes coating the outer surface of the connector using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) method. In some embodiments, the precursors used in the PE-CVD method may include, but are not limited to, tetraethoxysilane, hexamethyldisiloxane, methylcyclosiloxane, hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, or combinations thereof. The PE-CVD method can be carried out in a low-pressure plasma reactor, wherein a magnetron provides pulsed microwave radiation for generating the plasma. Those skilled in the art will understand that parameters related to the microwave radiation (e.g., power, frequency, pulse width, and peak pulse power) depend on the specific materials used, including the materials of the precursor and the connector. However, those skilled in the art will be able to appropriately tailor the method for the specific materials used.

[0029] In some embodiments, providing the coating involves immersing the connector in a liquid containing a hydrophobic antistatic material of interest (e.g., an organosilicon). In such embodiments, the method can be carried out in an inert environment (e.g., a chamber filled with an inert gas, such as argon or nitrogen). In some embodiments, the liquid may include a suitable organosilicon precursor (e.g., polymethylsiloxane or polyphenylsiloxane) in a suitable solvent including toluene or xylene. After immersing the connector in the liquid, the connector can be removed from the liquid and dried for a suitable time to remove all solvent, leaving an organosilicon coating on the outer surface of the connector.

[0030] In some embodiments, providing the coating involves spraying a suitable aerosol comprising the hydrophobic antistatic material of interest onto the connector. Liquids, such as those used for dip coating, can be atomized and sprayed onto the connector surface. Those skilled in the art will understand the advantages and disadvantages of spraying methods compared to dip coating methods.

[0031] In some implementations, the method is configured to produce a coating with a thickness ranging from about 10 nm to about 1 μm. For example, in some embodiments, the coating thickness can be approximately 10 nm, approximately 20 nm, approximately 30 nm, approximately 40 nm, approximately 50 nm, approximately 60 nm, approximately 70 nm, approximately 80 nm, approximately 90 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 120 nm, approximately 140 nm, approximately 160 nm, approximately 180 nm, approximately 200 nm, approximately 220 nm, approximately 240 nm, approximately 260 nm, approximately 280 nm, approximately 300 nm, approximately 320 nm, approximately 340 nm, approximately 360 nm, approximately 380 nm, approximately 400 nm, approximately 420 nm, approximately 440 nm, approximately 460 nm, approximately 480 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 525 nm, approximately 550 nm, approximately 575 nm, approximately 600 nm, approximately 625 nm, approximately 650 nm, approximately 675 nm, approximately 700 nm, approximately 750 nm, approximately 800 nm, approximately 850 nm, etc. nm, approximately 900 nm, approximately 950 nm, approximately 1000 nm, or any other thickness between any two of these thicknesses.

[0032] Therefore, in some implementations, various parameters of the method (PE-CVD, dip coating, or spray coating) can be adjusted to obtain the desired thickness. For example, in the PE-CVD method, the infusion rate or volume of the precursor introduced into the reaction chamber can be increased to provide a thicker coating.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method may include pretreating the outer surface of the connector before applying the coating. For example, the connector surface may be exposed to plasma (e.g., oxygen plasma) to clean and / or activate the connector surface before applying the coating (e.g., via a PE-CVD method).

[0034] Example

[0035] Example 1: Water contact angle

[0036] The water contact angles of connectors with coated and uncoated surfaces were measured. The following groups of connectors were tested: Group 1 - untreated connectors; Group 2 - connectors coated with an organosilicon film (215 nm); Group 3 - connectors pretreated with plasma and then coated with an organosilicon film (152 nm); and Group 4 - connectors pretreated with plasma and then coated with an organosilicon film (360 nm) using a high precursor flow rate during the coating process.

[0037] The test results are summarized in Table 1 below:

[0038] Table 1:

[0039]

[0040] Example 2: Chemical Resistance Analysis

[0041] To test chemical resistance, the water contact angle of various coated connectors was measured after exposing them to disinfectant wipes and isopropyl alcohol. For the first test, the coated connector was wiped with chlorhexidine gluconate wipes for approximately 15 seconds, followed by drying for approximately 30 seconds. The water contact angle was measured after drying. The results are summarized in Table 2 below:

[0042] Table 2:

[0043] Group Connector type (Luer) Contact angle (after wiping with disinfectant) 2 Borla 77 2 Medegen 52 3 Borla 66 3 Medegen 65 4 Borla 45 4 Medegen 43

[0044] For the second test, the coated connector was immersed in isopropyl alcohol for approximately 4 hours and then allowed to air dry. The water contact angle was measured after drying. The results are summarized in Table 3 below:

[0045] Table 3:

[0046] Group Connector type (Luer) Contact angle (before) Contact angle (after immersion in IPA) 2 Borla 108 103 2 Medegen 109 98 3 Borla 94 103 3 Medegen 105 97 4 Borla 96 93 4 Medegen 102 93

[0047] It is speculated that the reduced contact angle after wiping with chlorhexidine gluconate is due to residual chlorhexidine gluconate left on the surface after wiping and drying the connector with a wet wipe. A visible yellow coating can be seen on the surfaces of both coated and uncoated connectors wiped with chlorhexidine gluconate wipes.

[0048] Other considerations

[0049] In some implementations, any clause in this document may be subordinate to any independent clause or any dependent clause. In one aspect, any clause (e.g., a dependent or independent clause) may be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., a dependent or independent clause). In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, operations, apparatus, or components) recited in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words recited in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one aspect, some words may be removed from each clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, the subject matter may be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject matter may be implemented using additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0050] Clause 1. A connector for an infusion line having a hydrophobic antistatic material coated on its outer surface, said hydrophobic antistatic material not reacting with isopropanol and chlorhexidine.

[0051] Clause 2. The connector according to Clause 1, wherein the hydrophobic and antistatic material comprises an organosilicate.

[0052] Clause 3. The connector according to any one of Clauses 1-2, wherein the thickness of the hydrophobic antistatic material ranges from 10 nm to 1 μm.

[0053] Clause 4. The connector according to any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein the connector comprises a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, acrylic polymers, and thermoplastic alloys.

[0054] Clause 5. The connector according to any one of Clauses 1-4, wherein the flexural modulus of the connector is at least about 700 MPa.

[0055] Clause 6. The connector according to any one of Clauses 1-5, wherein the hydrophobic antistatic material is selected to have a water contact angle of at least 95°.

[0056] Clause 7. The connector as described in Clause 6, wherein the water contact angle decreases by no more than 10% after interaction with isopropanol.

[0057] Clause 8. The connector according to any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein the connector is a Luer connector.

[0058] Clause 9. The connector as described in Clause 8, wherein the connector is a Luer male connector.

[0059] Clause 10. A method of treating a connector for an infusion line, the method comprising: providing a coating of a hydrophobic and antistatic material that does not react with isopropanol and chlorhexidine on the outer surface of the connector.

[0060] Clause 11. The method according to Clause 10, wherein providing the coating comprises applying the hydrophobic antistatic material using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method.

[0061] Clause 12. The method according to any one of Clauses 10-11, wherein providing the coating comprises applying the hydrophobic antistatic material by immersing the connector in a liquid containing the hydrophobic antistatic material.

[0062] Clause 13. The method according to any one of Clauses 10-12, wherein providing the coating comprises applying the hydrophobic antistatic material by spraying it into an aerosol containing the hydrophobic antistatic material.

[0063] Clause 14. The method according to any one of Clauses 10-13, wherein the hydrophobic antistatic material comprises an organosilicon material.

[0064] Clause 15. The method according to any one of Clauses 10-14, wherein the connector comprises a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, acrylic polymers, and thermoplastic alloys.

[0065] Clause 16. The method according to any one of Clauses 10-15, wherein the connector is a Luer connector.

[0066] Clause 17. The method according to any one of Clauses 10-16, wherein providing the coating comprises applying a coating of the hydrophobic antistatic material with a thickness ranging from 10 nm to 1 μm.

[0067] Clause 18. The method according to any one of Clauses 10-17 further includes pretreating the outer surface of the connector before applying the coating.

[0068] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 18, wherein the pretreatment includes exposing the outer surface to plasma.

[0069] Clause 20. A method for testing the chemical resistance of an infusion tube connector, the method comprising: measuring a water contact angle on an outer surface of the connector to obtain a first water contact angle WCA1; immersing the connector in a solution containing isopropanol for a period of about 1 hour to about 6 hours; after removing the connector from the isopropanol solution, measuring a second water contact angle on the outer surface of the connector to obtain a second water contact angle WCA2; comparing WCA1 and WCA2; and determining that the connector has acceptable chemical resistance if WCA2 is within about 10% of WCA1.

[0070] The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. Although the subject matter has been specifically described with reference to several accompanying drawings and configurations, it should be understood that these descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter.

[0071] There are many other ways to implement the techniques described herein. Many of the functions and elements described herein may be distinguished differently from those shown without departing from the scope of the techniques described herein. Various modifications to these configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other configurations. Therefore, those skilled in the art can make many changes and modifications to the techniques described herein without departing from the scope of the techniques described herein.

[0072] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed process is an illustration of an exemplary method. Based on design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the process can be rearranged. Some steps may be performed simultaneously. The appended method claims present elements of multiple steps in an exemplary order and are not intended to limit one to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0073] As used herein, the phrase “at least one” preceding a series of items, and the terms “and” or “or” used to separate any items, modify the list as a whole, not each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one” does not require selection of at least one of each of the listed items; rather, the phrase means including at least one of any one item, and / or at least one of any combination of items, and / or at least one of each item. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0074] Furthermore, with regard to the terms “comprising”, “having”, etc., used in the specification or claims, such terms are intended to be contained in a manner similar to how the term “comprising” is interpreted when used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0075] In one or more respects, the terms “about,” “basically,” and “approximately” may provide industrially acceptable tolerances for the correlation between their respective terms and / or items, for example, from less than 1% to 5%.

[0076] The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments.

[0077] Unless otherwise specified, components mentioned in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. The term "some" refers to one or more. Underlined and / or italicized headings and subheadings are for convenience only and do not limit the scope of the subject matter or relate to the interpretation of the description of the subject matter. All structural and functional equivalents of the various configurations of components described in this disclosure that are known to or will be known thereafter by those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included in the subject matter. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be offered to the public, whether or not such disclosure is expressly stated in the foregoing description.

[0078] While the specific embodiments contain numerous details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter, but merely as illustrating different instances and aspects of the subject matter. It should be understood that the scope of the subject matter includes other embodiments not discussed in detail above. Various other modifications, alterations, and variations can be made to the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatuses of the subject matter disclosed herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, elements referred to in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Furthermore, in order to be included within the scope of this disclosure, it is not necessary for the apparatus or method to solve every problem (or possess every achievable advantage) that can be solved through the different embodiments of this disclosure. The word "may" and its derivatives as used herein should be understood as meaning "possibly" or "optionally," as opposed to an affirmative capability.

Claims

1. A connector for an infusion line having a hydrophobic antistatic material coated on its outer surface, said hydrophobic antistatic material not reacting with isopropanol and chlorhexidine.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic antistatic material comprises an organosilicon.

3. The connector according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the thickness of the hydrophobic antistatic material ranges from 10 nm to 1 μm.

4. The connector according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the connector comprises a polymer material selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, acrylic polymers, and thermoplastic alloys.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the flexural modulus of the connector is at least about 700 MPa.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the hydrophobic antistatic material is selected to have a water contact angle of at least 95°.

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein the water contact angle decreases by no more than 10% after interaction with isopropanol.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the connector is a Luer connector.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the connector is a Luer male connector.

10. A method for processing a connector for an injection line, the method comprising: A coating of hydrophobic and antistatic material that does not react with isopropanol and chlorhexidine is provided on the outer surface of the connector.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein providing the coating comprises applying the hydrophobic antistatic material using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method.

12. The method according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein providing the coating comprises applying the hydrophobic antistatic material by immersing the connector in a liquid containing the hydrophobic antistatic material.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein providing the coating comprises applying the hydrophobic antistatic material by spraying it into an aerosol containing the hydrophobic antistatic material.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein the hydrophobic antistatic material comprises an organosilicon material.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10-14, wherein the connector comprises a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, acrylic polymers, and thermoplastic alloys.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10-15, wherein the connector is a Luer connector.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10-16, wherein providing the coating comprises applying a coating of the hydrophobic antistatic material with a thickness ranging from 10 nm to 1 μm.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10-17, further comprising pretreating the outer surface of the connector prior to providing the coating.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the pretreatment comprises exposing the outer surface to plasma.

20. A method for testing the chemical resistance of an infusion tube connector, the method comprising: Measure the water contact angle on the outer surface of the connector to obtain the first water contact angle WCA1; The connector is immersed in a solution containing isopropanol for a period of time from about 1 hour to about 6 hours. After the connector is removed from the solution containing isopropanol, the water contact angle on the outer surface of the connector is measured to obtain the second water contact angle WCA2. Compare WCA1 and WCA2; as well as If WCA2 is within approximately 10% of WCA1, then the connector is determined to have acceptable chemical resistance.

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