Problem

PROBLEM

Problems with medical devices

 

In many fields there is a mismatch between surface chemistry and the intended application. Poor surface properties can lead to discomfort or contamination which in turn can lead to bigger problems.

 

At LipoCoat we work on proprietary solutions to tweak surface properties to make the outcomes more predictable. These solutions are bio-mimetic nano-coatings that offer control over wetting, lubricity, and fouling. In turn this improves comfort, safety, and performance of the substrate.

 

 

Fig. cross-section of a cell membrane

cross-section of a cell membrane

Every year in the US alone, Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs)1 affect about 1.7 million people at a cost of more than $35 billion, some estimates reaching $88 billion spent annually on these debilitating and often fatal infections. HAIs are responsible for prolonging hospital stays by approximately 16 days on average and causing nearly 100,000 deaths annually. The situation is similar in the European Union, where yearly over 4 million patients acquire an HAI2.

  1. Haque, M., Sartelli, M., McKimm, J. & Bakar, M. A. Health care-associated infections – An overview. Infection and Drug Resistance vol. 11 2321–2333 (2018).
  2. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Incidence and attributable mortality of healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units in Europe 2008-2012. Incidence and attributable mortality of healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units in Europe 2008-2012 (2018). doi:10.2900/118774.

Contact lenses are commonly used medical devices to manage refractive errors. It is estimated that approximately 150 million people wear contact lenses worldwide1. Several complications are associated with wearing contact lenses such as discomfort, eye infections, dry eyes and corneal neovascularization2.

  1. Moreddu, R., Vigolo, D. & Yetisen, A. K. Contact Lens Technology: From Fundamentals to Applications. Adv. Healthc. Mater. 8, 1–24 (2019).
  2. Alipour, F., Khaheshi, S., Sleimanzadeh, M., Heidarzadeh, S. & Heydarzadeh, S. Contact-lens related Complications: A Review. J. Ophthalmic Vis. Res. 12, 270–274 (2017).