41] Biofilm and biofilm-related encrustation of urinary tract devices

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the development of artificial urine models that simulate in vivo encrustation resulting from device-related infection and can be used to assess biomaterial encrustation and the ability of biomaterials to resist intraluminal blockage. The extent to which different urinary biomaterials will encrust in vivo is a problem that needs to be addressed if new, less encrusting biomaterials are to be discovered. The optimal level of agitation within a model is determined by the portion of the urinary tract in which the test biomaterial is destined to reside. Artificial urine models prove useful for testing novel biodegradable biomaterials for use as urinary prostheses. In practice, urine flow may encourage surface layers of the degradable polymer to be shed, thereby assisting the removal of encrusting deposits and adherent microorganisms. Such biomimetic biomaterials may have a role to play in the development of improved urinary tract devices.