Date of Award

Summer 8-16-2024

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Open-Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological Engineering

Advisor

Caitlin Howell

Second Committee Member

Evan Wujcik

Third Committee Member

Amy Blakeley

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) affect over 1.7 million patients annually and are often treated with antibiotics, which can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common type of HAI, resulting in an estimated $390­­–450 million in treatment and increased length-of-stay-associated costs annually. Previously, infusing catheter surfaces with a compatible liquid has demonstrated the ability to reduce the need for antibiotics by minimizing protein and bacterial adhesion to the catheter surface. In this work, we infuse commercial catheters with liquid to investigate changes in properties such as length, mass, and overall size. Confocal microscopy was used to examine the material and coating interface, while tensile and Shore hardness testing was conducted to quantify bulk material properties after coating application. The functionality of these devices was then tested following ASTM F623-19: Performance for Foley Catheter guidelines. By developing liquid-infused treatments for commercial catheters, we aim to create a widely available, cost-effective solution for preventing CAUTI and reducing antibiotic use in patients who need indwelling catheters.

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