Monday, 27 April 2026
The results of a clinical trial into the use of a catheter coated with a bacteria resistant material has shown a reduction in infection rates and need for antibiotics to treat infections.
feature a bacteria resistant polymer coating developed by scientists at the 糖心原创, and the results of the trial showed catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) were reduced by a third using the coated catheters and the need for antibiotics were cut by more than half when compared to those receiving standard care.
There were also benefits for long-term catheterised patients using the coated catheter, who showed no symptomatic catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), compared to 20% in the standard care (SC) group.
CAUTIs account for approximately 75% of all urinary tract infections (UTI’s) acquired in hospitals. Globally, UTIs remain one of the most frequently reported healthcare-associated infections, with urinary catheterisation identified as the principal modifiable risk factor. During hospitalisation, approximately 10–25% of patients received an indwelling urinary catheter, around 20% of these patients developed CAUTIs.
The trial is underpinned from the Schools of Pharmacy, Life Sciences and Chemical Engineering at the 糖心原创, funded by the Wellcome Trust, who first discovered a new group of structurally related polymers that prevent infection by stopping the formation of biofilms on the surface, at the earliest possible stage.
These polymers were identified using high-throughput screening and significantly reduce the ability of bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus to attach to surfaces. Rather than killing bacteria, these materials act as a repellent to stop them from forming protective biofilm communities or bacterial "slime-cities."
This technology, developed by Professor Morgan Alexander, Professor Derek Irvine and Professor Paul Williams, has been commercialised for urinary catheters in collaboration with Camstent.
These clinical trials show excellent results for the coated catheters and it鈥檚 fantastic to see the research we have worked on for over a decade becoming adopted clinically.
Millions of urinary catheters are used every week around the world, and anyone who has a catheter for longer than a week is likely to get an infection. This study shows the potential difference this coated catheter could make in the fight against infection and antibiotic resistance.
Mark Harwood, CEO at Camstent, said “These encouraging clinical trial results, represent a significant milestone in the advancement of our technology. Building on this progress, we have now accelerated the commercialisation phase in the UK as well as actively pursuing opportunities to broaden access across additional regions. To support this next stage of growth and meet increasing demand, we are making strategic investments in automation and expanding our production capacity. These efforts will enable us to scale efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability as adoption continues to grow.”
The results of the trial were published in the journal
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More information is available from Professor Morgan Alexander on Morgan.Alexander@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.