Infection-resistant alloplasts

Encrustation of biomaterials in the urinary tract

The present review focuses on technological advances and relevant research related to encrustation of biomaterials in the urinary tract. The importance of physical and chemical biomaterial type, biocompatibility, material coatings such as hydrogels, and infection related to alloplastic materials used in urological practice are discussed. Recent in-vitro and in-vivo research has focused on materials that will reduce encrustation and bacterial biofilm formation, complications that limit the long-term use of urinary materials. Coordinating scientific resources in a multidisciplinary manner for a better understanding of factors that are involved in encrustation and biofilm formation will offer the potential to modify or resolve the problem of encrustation of foreign materials in the urinary tract.

Infection-resistant nonleachable materials for urologic devices

Bacterial colonization is the primary clinical problem faced by the surgeon and medical device innovator. Despite the absence of effective systemic treatment, medical implants and devices have been deployed with increasing success over the past five decades. Infection-resistant materials (IRMs) are a relatively recent addition to the science of implant and device development. The first IRM utilized leachable antimicrobial agents. Nonleachable technologies are being developed, some of which have the potential to make organ replacement even more successful in the future.