About BIOFORS
The formation of biofilms in medical tubing is a major problem
for patients and is associated with high costs for the healthcare
system. Beyond the actual medical procedure, the patient is often
treated with antibiotics or antifungal cures, as biofilm on the
channels sides can cause further infections. Such problems can
arise in e.g. various catheters, dialysis tubing and supply hoses
to machines.
Idea
The consortium will explore different approaches using UV
light and surface modifications for reducing the formation of
biofilm in medical tubing. Depending on the application of the
medical tube, the UV light will either be conducted directly
through the fluid inside the tube, or be conducted along the inner
surface. The latter will use knowledge about light conducting
fibers and polymers to create multi-layer tubing. An anti-fouling
process on the inside can then be created by controlling the
exposure of UV light from the inside of the tube. In either case
the patient itself will not be exposed to UV light as the outside
of the tube will shield the light.
Technology
Optical fibers are used increasingly to supply the world
with the digital infrastructure that is necessary to maintain and
develop telecommunications. This innovation consortium will create
an expertise transfer as well as an innovative further development
of the telecommunications industry to the medical industry.
UV light has a well-known cell-killing effect and is today used
in many different areas such as water treatment and disinfection of
air. The consortium will develop a UV-conductive structure on the
inside of the tubing, e.g. in silica or polymer plastic. The UV
light will then be transported along the length of the tube and
continuously be released from its inside in order to prevent
biofilm growth. By controlling the refractive index in the
transition between the tube and the liquid material it is expected
that this process can be designed specifically for different
applications. The UV light should be released in typically less
than one meter, and there are not any further special requirements
to the waveguide transmitting characteristics over longer
distances. Moreover, it will be investigated whether the addition
of TiO2 particles to the fiber will further accelerate the
anti-fouling process through photo catalysis.
The developed technologies in BIOFORS will be generic and
relevant for other medico applications (e.g. analysis equipment)
and for industries with special demands for quality and hygiene
such as food production and water treatment.
Project start Feb. 2014. Duration 3½ years.