Prevention of catheter infection using a biodegradable tissue adhesive composed of human serum albumin and disuccinimidyl tartrate

A new material was prepared to reduce catheter infection composed of a flocked silicone sheet (AmTiO₂NP-F) with TiO₂ nanoparticle-immobilized poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers modified with surface amino groups. This system was used in conjunction with a tissue adhesive composed of disuccinimidyl tartrate and human serum albumin. At a fixed disuccinimidyl tartrate content of 0.2 mmol in human serum albumin solution, AmTiO₂NP-F bonded well with collagen-based casing (a model material for skin), with bond strength increasing to a maximum of 38 w/v% human serum albumin. The adhesive bonded AmTiO₂NP-F to subcutaneous tissue in mice, and infiltration of the tissue into the AmTiO₂NP-F further increased the bond strength for long-term insertions. The material was degraded within 7 days of implantation, and tissue reaction was mild, while infection was completely prevented. These results indicate that the combined use of AmTiO₂NP-F and disuccinimidyl tartrate-A for implanted catheters can significantly alleviate the associated risk of infection.