Design of Electromagnetic Coils and Temperature Regulation Circuits for Impeding Microbial Growth on Medical Device Surfaces

Abstract

Microorganisms that form biofilm on surface of medical devices represent a major health risk for patients and an economic burden for the health care system [1]. Biofilms are conglomerates of bacterial colonies characterized by the production of an exo-polysaccharide matrix making it challenging to eradicate them by using chemical or antibiotic treatments [2]. More than 70% of biofilm-related infections are resistant to at least one drug, therefore, alternative forms of treatments have been investigated. Previously we have reported compelling new data showing the synergistic effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and elevated temperatures on the colonization and survival of pathogenic bacteria on medical device surfaces [3]. Here we report the design and development of prototypical EMF coils and temperature regulation circuits that are simple and cost effective for impeding microbial growth on medical device surfaces.