Innovotech Inc.

Published purpose

Encrustation of urinary catheters due to mineral buildup is a common problem, enhanced by the presence/biofilm formation of microbes involved in urinary tract infections, causing pain and catheter blockage. Firm is developing methods to test coated urinary catheters for anti-encrustation properties, and has a pilot test system that has been client-trialed, but the process needs to be properly validated to be advertised as part of Firm's contract research. This project will ensure ruggedness/data reproducibility, develop tests for encrustation of urinary catheter interiors and apply Firm's flow-loop system, and develop methods for use with additional relevant pathogens, resulting in a fully-validated encrustation assay.