About Biofilm

A biofilm can be defined as a surface-associated community comprised of microorganisms embedded within a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The majority of bacterial cells in nature are believed to exist in biofilm communities, which provides benefits in dealing with environmental stresses and confers a survival advantage over growth in the planktonic state. Biofilm-associated cells exhibit reduced growth rates, distinct physiological characteristics and altered gene expression compared to their planktonic counterparts.

The EPS surrounding the community also protects cells from harmful agents by acting as a diffusion barrier or neutralizing or binding the agent, as well as providing mechanical support and resistance to shear stresses generated by flow of the surrounding milieu. These characteristics mean that biofilms which develop in clinical settings and on implanted medical devices often present a particular challenge in terms of infection control and treatment.

A major cause of biofilm (EPS) formation is attributed to the use of non-ideal materials in the fabrication of medical devices. Such materials allow for the colonization of microorganisms, leading to biofilm formation and risk of infection.

Read more >

Innovation beyond state of the art

Our technology goes beyond the current state of the art:

1. Streamlined coating process: our unique coating process lowers costs and, for the first time, provides a method to apply a lubricious friction coating and anti-biofilm coating at the same time.

2. Long lasting lubricious friction coating: Our unique hydrogel is covalently bound to the device. This is a key factor in the durability of the coating – it is a permanently lubricious coating for medical devices, which can be tailored depending to the design and user needs of the device.

3. Long-lasting anti-fouling properties due to our no-kill mode of action: By using an anti-fouling strategy that relies on biofilm prevention rather than active anti–microbial agents such as silver or antibiotics, we are able to have a longer lasting solution far beyond the state of the art. Our in vitro test data on file shows that we can prevent biofilm formation for at least 28 days. Additionally, by preventing biofilm formation, this can allow antibiotic treatments to work much better, as the bacteria have nowhere to hide. This offers the opportunity to treat infections without removing the medical device (less pain, discomfort, cost and risk). This is important from an antibiotic resistance perspective as many patients receive high doses of antibiotics to attempt to treat infections.

Read more >