Companies Partner to Develop Infection-Resistant Catheters

Foster Corp. and Biosafe Inc. have partnered to develop and market polymeric-based antimicrobial compounds to reduce infection risk and improve cost associated with manufacturing in-dwelling catheters and other medical products.

Foster will offer custom formulations based on polyurethanes, nylon, and other medical-grade polymers made with Biosafe’s antimicrobial technology. Foster currently offers a range of polymer compounds that reduce bacterial infection in catheters and sustained bodily fluid contact applications, including formulations with silver and polymeric additives. 

Silver additives are recognized for antimicrobial properties, yet can be expensive, difficult to disperse and may leach from some polymer matrices. In comparison, Biosafe’s polymeric additive technology is less expensive, blends easily with medical polymers, and forms strong bonds with the polymer matrix to resist leaching, according to the companies.

According to Biosafe, its test data demonstrates that thermoplastic polyurethane compounds made with their polymer-based antimicrobial technology controls the growth of microbes and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, which can become a serious and costly problems for healthcare facilities) on surfaces, which can promote nosocomial infections. In addition to offering potential for cost savings, Biosafe claims its technology improves upon results for compounds using current silver-based technology.

“Antimicrobial polymer compounds are commonly used for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) and central venous catheters that stay in the body for extended periods of time,” said Brian LaBrec, director of engineering and technology for Putnam, Conn.-based Foster Corporation. “Economic and competitive pressures are driving device manufacturers to seek more cost effective alternatives for these infection resistant devices. Compounds with Biosafe’s polymeric antimicrobial additive offer an opportunity for device manufactures to reduce cost without sacrificing product performance and patient safety.”

Biosafe is located in Pittsburg, Pa. In addition to medical, the company also serves the textile, plastics, drinking water, construction and consumer markets.