Urinary Catheter Coated with Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Agricultural Waste

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Urinary Catheter Coated with Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Agricultural Waste

 

Technology Overview

A urinary catheter is a type of medical device used to empty the bladder and collect urine in a drainage bag. It is used in people who have difficulty passing urine naturally or used to empty the bladder before or after surgery and to help perform certain tests. The primary challenge associated with urinary catheters is the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can occur during insertion or due to biofilm formation on the catheter’s surface, often linked with long-term catheterization.

The availability of antimicrobial urinary catheters presents a promising solution for preventing catheter-associated UTIs. However, many of the commercially available antimicrobial-coated catheters in Thailand are imported, resulting in high prices that make healthcare unaffordable for a majority of the population.

Key Features & Benefits

An antimicrobial urinary catheter has been developed by applying a coating of silver nanoparticles, a potent antimicrobial agent, to a commercial silicone catheter. These silver nanoparticles are synthesized through a green process that utilizes agricultural waste and eliminates the need for toxic chemicals. Apart from its eco-friendliness, this production method is simple and does not require advanced technology or high-tech equipment.

The resulting catheter effectively inhibits microbial growth by 91%, equivalent to the performance of commercial antimicrobial catheters, and successfully prevents biofilm formation. It can be utilized for an extended period of up to 30 days. The production cost per unit is approximately THB 80, significantly lower than the imported alternatives, which can cost as much as THB 900. This innovation ensures accessible and affordable healthcare for a wider population.

Researcher(s)

Asst.Prof.Dr. Kheamrutai Thamaphat, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science

Contact 

Intellectual Properties and Technology Transfer Section
         Research, Innovation and Partnerships Office (RIPO)
         Tel: 02-470-9626
         Email: tto@kmutt.ac.th