Overall, the work performed during the project period was technical verification and market evaluation of the NANOELAST material towards urinary cater applications to prevent infection. 4 key results were obtained:
1. The NANOELAST technology has shown considerable promise in developing further towards in-dwelling urinary catheter applications. The decision was based on the microbiology analysis, processing data and market interest. A number of continuation routes have been identified and the most promising options were the development of the entire catheter tube from the NANOELAST material as originally planned.
2. A preliminary technical file was developed which included all microbiology data, rheology data, mechanical testing measurements, plan for sterilisation and biocompatibility data. Part of the above work including mechanical studies, processing studies and biocompatibility studies was published in a scientific Journal ACS Nano . The paper was als featured in official Chalmers University press release and garnered world-wide attention where it has been picked up by blogs, newspapers and social media from over 13 countries including Europe, USA, Middle-east, Asia and Australia. Additionally, the patent concerning the NANOELAST which was filed as a PCT application in March 2019, received a examiners report that indicated the technology to be novel and inventive.
-Tough Ordered Mesoporous Elastomeric Biomaterials Formed at Ambient Conditions; Anand K. Rajasekharan, Christoffer Gyllensten, Edvin Blomstrand, Marianne Liebi, and Martin Andersson ACS Nano 2020 14 (1), 241-254
-https://scienmag.com/nanostructured-rubber-like-material-with-optimal-properties-could-replace-human-tissue/
3. Amferia and a early interested company as mentioned in the Grant agreement has continuously been in contact and evaluated the new data. With this as a background, the potential partner is now interested to jointly developing and begin manufacturing testing of the NANOELAST technology.
4. Lastly, from the current project, we have further identified another interesting opportunity for the application of the technology. This was also for urinary catheters but may enable a faster market translation. This approach has shown very early promising early results form infection-prevention standpoint and received increased interest from the market and clinic. If proven successful, we have the ability to rapidly take this forward to commercialisation and clinical evaluation. This approach also enables cost-efficiency, improved functionality and ease of large-scale processing.
