PEG-Coated Copper Nanoparticles in Silicone Catheters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current urinary catheters fail to effectively prevent biofilm formation and associated infections, particularly in medical settings, due to limitations in antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility, leading to increased healthcare costs and morbidity.

Innovation Solution

A silicone material functionalized with PEG-coated copper nanoparticles, which synergistically prevents protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion, reducing biofilm formation and bacterial load, while maintaining biocompatibility and avoiding cytotoxicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If silicone material is used for medical devices, then biocompatibility is improved, but antimicrobial resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidbacterial adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines silicone base material with copper nanoparticles to create a composite material that maintains the biocompatibility of silicone while adding antimicrobial properties through copper's inherent ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit biofilm formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The copper nanoparticles are specifically incorporated into the surface layer of the silicone material, creating a localized antimicrobial zone that prevents bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device surface while maintaining the bulk silicone's biocompatible properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If copper nanoparticles are added to silicone, then antimicrobial activity is improved, but material complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidmaterial composition

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the concentration and size parameters of copper nanoparticles within the silicone matrix, using controlled amounts of nanoscale copper particles to achieve effective antimicrobial activity while minimizing the impact on material processing and overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional catheters are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but biofilm formation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidbiofilm formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The copper nanoparticle-infused silicone material provides inherent antimicrobial protection through its compositional properties, enabling the catheter to actively prevent biofilm formation and bacterial colonization without requiring external antibiotics or additional active components that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The material significantly reduces biofilm formation and bacterial load in vivo, demonstrating effective antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, thereby lowering the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections and maintaining biocompatibility.

Implementation Method 1

copper nanoparticles with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, so as to reduce the bacterial load and the development of biological films or biofilms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial activity of copper nanoparticles:

Implementation Method 2

PEG-coated copper nanoparticles which synergistically prevents protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolyethylene glycol coating prevents protein adsorption:

Data Source

PatentUS20250090728A1Silicone material functionalized with copper nanoparticles which reduces bacterial load and biofilm formation

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 UNIV BERNARDO OHIGGINS

AI summary

The invention provides a silicone material functionalized with PEG-coated (PEGylated) copper nanoparticles that reduces bacterial load and biofilm formation. The material in accordance with the invention may be used in the manufacture of devices or products for use in the clinical and/or biomedical industry, food or any other industry where antibacterial and antibiofilm properties are desirable and necessary.