Connector surface treatment

Abstract

The injection tube connector has a water-repellent and antistatic coating on its outer surface. The water-repellent and antistatic coating is inactive with isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine. A method for processing the injection line connector may include the step of providing a coating of a water-repellent and antistatic material that is inactive with isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine on the outer surface of the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 454,887, filed on March 27, 2023, entitled "SURFACE TREATMENT FOR CONNECTORS", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of surface modification of polymeric materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to surface modification for improving the chemical resistance of materials used in the manufacture of connectors.

Background Art

[0003] Tubing lines used to inject therapeutic agents into patients often include connectors for connecting various components of the tubing line. Luer connectors are commonly used for such applications due to their reliability and ease of use. However, such connectors are also prone to failure due to various factors including exposure to reactive chemicals such as alcohol, interaction with infusion fluids having a wide range of pH and reactivity, and mechanical stress due to connection with other connector components.

[0004] In particular, male Luer components tend to have a higher failure rate because the outer surface of the male Luer component is exposed to friction and may become reactive to residual chemicals due to changes in the chemical nature of the surface. Plastic male Luer components must comply with certain ISO standards such as ISO594-2 and ISO80369-7 for dimensional and functional compatibility. Materials commonly used for connectors include, but are not limited to, ABS, rigid PVC, and acrylic polymers. However, considering the diverse chemicals and mechanical stresses to which the connectors are exposed, different materials or surface treatments may be required to enhance chemical resistance while maintaining the bulk properties of the connectors.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The techniques disclosed herein can, advantageously, improve the reliability of connectors used in injection tubes. Furthermore, the techniques disclosed herein can improve the chemical resistance of connectors used in injection tubes. Advantageously, the techniques disclosed herein can also reduce mechanical failures of connectors caused by chemical decomposition of connector materials, such as cracking, without impairing the mechanical and / or chemical properties of the bulk connector material.

[0006] Furthermore, the methods described herein relate to the degradation of the surface properties of connectors caused by exposure to reactive chemicals and pharmaceutical compositions, as well as exposure to solvents and solutions with a wide range of pH values. In particular, these methods are configured to improve the chemical resistance of the outer surface of connectors used to connect injection tubes. Moreover, the disclosed methods provide inexpensive techniques for increasing the chemical resistance of connectors and reducing failure events that can lead to leaks, inconvenience to patients and caregivers, and waste of pharmaceutical compositions. While specific use cases include the medical industry, these solutions have broad application potential in other industries as well. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, a connector for an injection tube is provided. This connector has a water-repellent and antistatic coating on its outer surface. The water-repellent and antistatic coating is nonreactive to isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method for processing an injection tube connector may include the step of providing a coating of a water-repellent and antistatic material that is inactive to isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine on the outer surface of the connector.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method for testing the chemical resistance of an injection tube connector is provided. The method may include the step of obtaining a first water contact angle (WCA1) by measuring the contact angle with water on the outer surface of the connector. The connector is then immersed in a solution containing isopropyl alcohol for a period of about 1 to 6 hours. After removing the connector from the solution containing isopropyl alcohol, the contact angle with water on the outer surface of the connector is measured to obtain a second water contact angle (WCA2). WCA1 and WCA2 are then compared, and if WCA2 is within about 10% of WCA1, the connector is determined to have acceptable chemical resistance.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the subject art will be detailed in the following description, some of which will be evident from the description or from the implementation of the subject art. The advantages of the subject art are realized and achieved, in particular, by the description and embodiments described herein, as well as by the structures shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Please understand that the general description above and the detailed description below are illustrative and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] Various features of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit it. The drawings include the following figures. [Figure 1] This shows a lure-tube assembly. [Figure 2A] This shows one type of male Luer hub in various connector configurations. [Figure 2B] This shows one type of male Luer hub in various connector configurations. [Figure 2C] This shows one type of male Luer hub in various connector configurations. [Figure 2D] This shows one type of male Luer hub in various connector configurations. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view of a male luer connector is shown. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view of a male luer connector is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Various configurations of the subject art will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, where they are shown and described in an illustrative manner. As can be realized, the subject art is also possible in other different configurations, and some of its details can be modified in various other ways without departing from the scope of the subject art. Accordingly, the summary, drawings and detailed description should be considered illustrative and not treated as limiting.

[0014] The detailed description provided below is intended to describe various configurations of the subject art and not to represent the only configurations in which the subject art can be implemented. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of fully understanding the subject art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject art can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form so as not to obscure the concepts of the subject art. Similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals for ease of understanding.

[0015] Typical materials used in the manufacture of connectors for infusion tubes (e.g., for 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 selected for their rigidity and flexural modulus. However, these materials also tend to react with disinfectants such as alcohol and chlorhexidine. Failure of connectors used in infusion tubes can be caused by several factors, including, but are not limited to, reactions with chemicals in disinfectants such as alcohol and chlorhexidine, reactions with chemicals including infusion fluids having a wide pH range, organic and inorganic solvents, lipids, etc., injected through the tube, and mechanical stress during connection and disconnection of the connector. Failure of such connectors results in drug leakage, loss, and patient inconvenience.

[0016] Male Luer connectors are particularly susceptible to cracking when disinfected with alcohol or other disinfecting chemicals (e.g., chlorhexidine) to maintain sterility, for example, by using disinfectant wipes. Alcohol reacts with the Luer connector material, potentially damaging the surface of the male Luer connector and causing it to crack. Furthermore, engagement with female Luer connectors or other NACs can cause cracking and failure due to the mechanical stress placed on the male Luer connector during connection and disconnection.

[0017] One solution to avoid such failures is to apply a water-repellent and / or antistatic coating to the outer surface of the connector that is inactive with alcohol and other disinfectants. Factors determining such a coating material include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) the ability to provide a coating with a film thickness of several nanometers to several microns, (b) water-repellent or antistatic properties, (c) a durable coating, and (d) inactivity with disinfectants such as alcohol and chlorhexidine.

[0018] Accordingly, in one aspect of the present disclosure, a coating is provided for coating the outer surface of a connector. In some embodiments, the coating may include a hydrophobic material such as silicone and / or other highly hydrophobic materials. Hydrophobic / superhydrophobic coatings such as silicone repel water, dirt, and hydrophilic injectable fluids and are generally inert to alcohol and / or disinfectants such as chlorhexidine. The hydrophobic surface can form a high contact angle such that any solution that comes into contact with the outer surface of the connector rolls off, thereby reducing the interaction between the fluid and the connector material. Because the contact residence time of the fluid on the material is reduced, chemical reactions between the bulk material of the connector and the injectable fluid / disinfectant wipe or any drug that may be injected into a patient are prevented or avoided. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the coating is inert or non-reactive to solvents and / or chemicals used in drugs or formulations injected through the tube and connector, such as organic solvents, lipids, and solutions with a wide range of pH.

[0019] In some embodiments, the coating may be an organosilicate coating. Examples of organosilicates include, but are not limited to, polyorganosiloxanes such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), and polyurethane organosilicate (PUNC). The coating thickness may range from about 10 nm to about 1 μm. For example, in some embodiments, the coating thickness may be about 10 nm, about 20 nm, about 30 nm, about 40 nm, about 50 nm, about 60 nm, about 70 nm, about 80 nm, about 90 nm, about 100 nm, about 120 nm, about 140 nm, about 160 nm, about 180 nm, about 200 nm, about 220 nm, about 240 nm, about 260 nm, about 280 nm, about 300 nm, about 320 nm, about 340 nm, about 360 nm, about 3 The thickness may be 80nm, approximately 400nm, approximately 420nm, approximately 440nm, approximately 460nm, approximately 480nm, approximately 500nm, approximately 525nm, approximately 550nm, approximately 575nm, approximately 600nm, approximately 625nm, approximately 650nm, approximately 675nm, approximately 700nm, approximately 750nm, approximately 800nm, approximately 850nm, approximately 900nm, approximately 950nm, or approximately 1000nm, or any thickness between any two of these thicknesses.

[0020] As used herein, the term “about” is relative to the actual value stated and allows for approximation, inaccuracy, and limitations of measurement, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In one or more embodiments, the terms “about,” “substantially,” and “nearly” give industry-acceptable tolerances and / or relatives between items to the corresponding terms, including, for example, tolerances from less than 1% to 5% of the actual value stated, and other appropriate tolerances.

[0021] The coating is configured to make the surface of the connector water-repellent. As a result, the contact angle of water droplets 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 increase in the contact angle of water droplets on the uncoated surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the connector may be any connector used to connect different components for medical or experimental use. For example, in some embodiments, the connector may be any connector for connecting two tubing lines, or any connector for connecting one tubing line to a syringe, reservoir bag, or cap. In some embodiments, the connector is a luer connector. In some embodiments, the connector is a male luer connector.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of providing a coating to a connector is provided. The method may include providing a coating of a water-repellent and antistatic material that is non-reactive with isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine on the outer surface of the connector. In some embodiments, the coating is an organosilicate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the step of providing the coating includes coating the outer surface of the connector using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) process. In some embodiments, precursors used in the PE-CVD process include, but are not limited to, tetraethoxycillin, hexamethyldisiloxane, methylcyclosiloxane, hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, or combinations thereof. The PE-CVD process may be carried out in a low-pressure plasma reactor equipped with a magnetron that provides pulsed microwave radiation to generate plasma. Those skilled in the art will understand that parameters such as power, frequency, pulse width, and peak pulse power related to microwave radiation depend on the specific materials used, including the precursors as well as the connector material. However, those skilled in the art will be able to appropriately adjust the process for the specific materials used.

[0025] In some embodiments, the step of providing the coating includes immersing the connector in a liquid containing the water-repellent and antistatic material of interest (e.g., an organosilicate). In such embodiments, the process may be carried out in an inert environment, such as a chamber filled with an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. In some embodiments, the liquid may contain a suitable organosilicate precursor, such as polymethylsiloxane or polyphenylsiloxane, in a suitable solvent, such as toluene or xylene. After immersing the connector in the liquid, the connector is removed from the liquid and dried for a suitable time to remove all solvent, resulting in a coating of organosilicate on the outer surface of the connector.

[0026] In some embodiments, the step of providing the coating includes spraying a suitable aerosol containing the water-repellent and antistatic materials of interest onto the connector. A liquid, such as those used in dipping coatings, may be aerosolized and sprayed onto the connector surface. Those skilled in the art will understand the advantages and disadvantages of the spray coating process compared to the dipping coating process.

[0027] In some embodiments, the process is configured to obtain a coating having a film thickness in the range of about 10 nm to about 1 μm. For example, in some embodiments, the film thickness of the coating is about 10 nm, about 20 nm, about 30 nm, about 40 nm, about 50 nm, about 60 nm, about 70 nm, about 80 nm, about 90 nm, about 100 nm, about 120 nm, about 140 nm, about 160 nm, about 180 nm, about 200 nm, about 220 nm, about 240 nm, about 260 nm, about 280 nm, about 300 nm, about 320 nm, about 340 nm, about 360 nm, about 3 The thickness may be 80nm, approximately 400nm, approximately 420nm, approximately 440nm, approximately 460nm, approximately 480nm, approximately 500nm, approximately 525nm, approximately 550nm, approximately 575nm, approximately 600nm, approximately 625nm, approximately 650nm, approximately 675nm, approximately 700nm, approximately 750nm, approximately 800nm, approximately 850nm, approximately 900nm, approximately 950nm, or approximately 1000nm, or any thickness between any two of these thicknesses.

[0028] Therefore, in some embodiments, various parameters of the process (PE-CVD, immersion coating, or spray coating) may be adjusted to obtain a desired film thickness. For example, in a PE-CVD process, increasing the injection rate or amount of the precursor introduced into the reaction chamber can provide a thicker coating.

[0029] In some embodiments, the process may include pretreatment of the outer surface of the connector before providing 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 coating (e.g., via a PE-CVD process). [Examples]

[0030] Example 1: Water contact angle The water contact angle was measured for connectors with coated and uncoated surfaces. The following connector groups were tested: Group 1 - untreated connectors; Group 2 - connectors coated with an organic silicate film (215 nm); Group 3 - connectors pre-treated with plasma and then coated with an organic silicate film (152 nm); and Group 4 - connectors pre-treated with plasma and then coated with an organic silicate film (360 nm) using a high precursor flow rate during the coating process.

[0031] The test results are summarized in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0032] Example 2: Chemical Resistance Analysis To test chemical resistance, coated connectors were exposed to disinfectant wipes and isopropyl alcohol, and then the water contact angle for various coated connectors was measured. In the first test, coated connectors were wiped with chlorhexidine gluconate 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. [Table 2]

[0033] In the second test, the coated connectors were immersed in isopropyl alcohol for approximately 4 hours and then dried in the air. The water contact angle was measured after drying. The results are summarized in Table 3 below. [Table 3]

[0034] The decrease in contact angle after wiping with chlorhexidine gluconate is presumed to be due to residual chlorhexidine gluconate remaining on the surface after wiping and drying the connector. A visible yellowish coating was observed on the surfaces of both coated and uncoated connectors after wiping with chlorhexidine gluconate. Other considerations

[0035] In some embodiments, any section described herein may depend on any independent section or any subordinate section. In one embodiment, any section (e.g., a subordinate section or an independent section) may be combined with one or more other sections (e.g., subordinate sections or independent sections). In one embodiment, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, operations, means, or components) described in a section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one embodiment, a claim may include some or all of the words described in one or more sections, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one embodiment, some of the words in each section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph may be deleted. In one embodiment, additional words or elements may be added to a section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one embodiment, the subject art may be carried out without using some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one embodiment, the art may be carried out using additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0036] Clause 1: A connector for an injection line, wherein the outer surface of the connector is coated with a water-repellent and antistatic material, and the water-repellent and antistatic material is nonreactive to isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine.

[0037] Clause 2: The connector according to Clause 1, wherein the water-repellent and antistatic material includes an organosilicate.

[0038] Clause 3: The connector according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the water-repellent and antistatic material has a film thickness in the range of 10 nm to 1 μm.

[0039] Clause 4: The connector according to any one of Clauses 1 to 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.

[0040] Clause 5: The connector according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the connector has a flexural modulus of at least about 700 MPa.

[0041] Clause 6: The connector according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the water-repellent and antistatic material is selected to have a water contact angle of at least 95°.

[0042] Clause 7: The connector according to Clause 6, wherein the water contact angle does not decrease by more than 10% after interaction with isopropyl alcohol.

[0043] Clause 8: A connector as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the connector is a Luer connector.

[0044] Clause 9: The connector described in Clause 8, wherein the connector is a male Luer connector.

[0045] Clause 10: A method for processing an injection line connector, comprising the step of providing a coating of a water-repellent and antistatic material that is inactive to isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine on the outer surface of the connector.

[0046] Clause 11: The method according to Clause 10, wherein the step of providing the coating includes applying the water-repellent and antistatic material using a plasma-excited chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process.

[0047] Clause 12: The method according to Clause 10 or 11, wherein the step of providing the coating includes applying the water-repellent and antistatic material by immersing the connector in a liquid containing the water-repellent and antistatic material.

[0048] Clause 13: The method according to any one of Clauses 10 to 12, wherein the step of providing the coating includes applying the water-repellent and antistatic material by spraying an aerosol containing the water-repellent and antistatic material.

[0049] Clause 14: The method according to any one of Clauses 10 to 13, wherein the water-repellent and antistatic material includes an organosilicate material.

[0050] Clause 15: The method according to any one of Clauses 10 to 14, 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.

[0051] Clause 16: The method according to any one of Clauses 10 to 15, wherein the connector is a Luer connector.

[0052] Clause 17: The method according to any one of Clauses 10 to 16, wherein the step of providing the coating comprises applying a coating of the water-repellent and antistatic material having a film thickness in the range of 10 nm to 1 μm.

[0053] Clause 18: The method according to any one of Clauses 10 to 17, further comprising pretreatment of the outer surface of the connector prior to the step of providing the coating.

[0054] Clause 19: The method according to Clause 18, wherein the pretreatment includes exposing the outer surface to plasma.

[0055] Clause 20: A method for testing the chemical resistance of an injection tube connector, the method comprising: measuring the contact angle with water on the outer surface of the connector to obtain a first water contact angle (WCA1); immersing the connector in a solution containing isopropyl alcohol for a period of about 1 to 6 hours; removing the connector from the solution containing isopropyl alcohol and then measuring the contact angle with water on the outer surface of the connector to obtain a second water contact angle (WCA2); comparing the WCA1 and the WCA2; and determining that the connector has acceptable chemical resistance if the WCA2 is within about 10% of the WCA1.

[0056] The foregoing description is provided so that those skilled in the art can implement the various configurations described in the present invention. The subject art has been described in particular with reference to various drawings and configurations, but these are for illustrative purposes only and should not be understood as limiting the scope of the subject art.

[0057] Many other methods of carrying out the subject art may exist. Various functions and elements described herein may be divided in ways different from those shown, without departing from the scope of the subject art. Various modifications to these configurations described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may also be applicable to other configurations. Therefore, many changes and modifications can be made to the subject art by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the subject art.

[0058] The specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed herein is to be understood as an example of an exemplary technique. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the process may be rearranged. Some steps may be performed simultaneously. The appended claims illustrate various step elements in an example order and are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0059] As used herein, the phrase “at least one” modifies the entire list, when placed before a series of items and used with any item-separating “and” or “or,” and does not modify each item (i.e., each element) of the list. The phrase “at least one” does not require the selection of at least one of each listed item, but rather allows for meanings including at least one of any item, and / or at least one of any combination of items, and / or at least one of each item. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” means A only, B only, C only, any combination of A, B, and C, and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0060] Furthermore, when terms such as "includes" or "possesses" are used in a description or claim, these terms are intended to have a comprehensive meaning, similar to how the term "includes" is interpreted when used as a transition word in a claim.

[0061] In one or more aspects, the terms “about,” “substantially,” and “nearly” are intended to give each term an industry-acceptable range and / or relative relationship between items, for example, including a range from less than 1% to 5%.

[0062] As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “functioning as an example, illustration, or diagram.” Embodiments described “exemplary” in the present invention should not necessarily be construed as being preferable or advantageous to other embodiments.

[0063] Unless otherwise specified, the singular form of an element means "one or more" and not "the only one." The masculine pronoun (e.g., his) includes the feminine and neuter forms (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 subject art, nor are they referenced in connection with the interpretation of the description of the subject art. All structural and functional equivalents to elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure, known or hereafter known to those skilled in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be included in the subject art. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made publicly known, whether expressly stated in the above description or not.

[0064] While the detailed description includes many specific details, it should be understood that these are not intended to limit the scope of the subject art, but merely illustrate various examples and embodiments of the subject art. The scope of the subject art also includes other embodiments not described in detail above. Those skilled in the art can make various other modifications, changes, and variations with respect to the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus of the subject art disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the subject art. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, references to elements in the singular form mean "one or more," not "only one." Furthermore, an apparatus or method does not need to address (or possess) every problem that can be solved by a different embodiment of the subject art, nor does it need to have every advantage that can be achieved, in order to be included in the scope of the subject art. The use of "can" and its derivatives in the subject art should be understood not as a positive ability, but as "possible" or "optional."

Claims

1. A connector for an injection line, wherein the outer surface of the connector is coated with a water-repellent and antistatic material, and the water-repellent and antistatic material is inactive to isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the water-repellent and antistatic material includes an organic silicate.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water-repellent and antistatic material has a film thickness in the range of 10 nm to 1 μm.

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

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

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein the water contact angle does not decrease by more than 10% after interaction with isopropyl alcohol.

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

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

10. A method for processing an injection line connector, the method is: A method comprising the step of providing a coating of a water-repellent and antistatic material that is inactive to isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine on the outer surface of the connector.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of providing the coating includes applying the water-repellent and antistatic material using a plasma-excited chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the step of providing the coating includes applying the water-repellent and antistatic material by immersing the connector in a liquid containing the water-repellent and antistatic material.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the step of providing the coating includes applying the water-repellent and antistatic material by spraying an aerosol containing the water-repellent and antistatic material.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the water-repellent and antistatic material includes an organic silicate material.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, 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.

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

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the step of providing the coating includes applying a coating of the water-repellent and antistatic material having a film thickness in the range of 10 nm to 1 μm.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, further comprising pretreatment of the outer surface of the connector before the step of providing the coating.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the pretreatment includes exposing the outer surface to plasma.

20. A method for testing the chemical resistance of an injection tube connector, wherein the method is: The steps include: measuring the contact angle with water on the outer surface of the connector to obtain a first water contact angle (WCA1); The steps include immersing the connector in a solution containing isopropyl alcohol for a period of about 1 to 6 hours, The steps include: removing the connector from the solution containing isopropyl alcohol, and then measuring the contact angle between the connector and water on its outer surface to obtain a second water contact angle (WCA2); The steps include comparing WCA1 and WCA2, The step of determining that the connector has acceptable chemical resistance if the WCA2 is within approximately 10% of the WCA1, A method that includes this.

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