Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/L19485/01
Title:	ENCRUSTATION AT THE URINE/POLYMER INTERFACE AND ITS REDUCTION BY SURFACE MODIFICATION
Principal Investigator:	Ralph, Professor B
Other Investigators:	Fisher, Dr L Patton, Dr D Fisher, Professor L Feneley, Professor R Hodson, Dr A Griffin, Mr R Finch, Dr D
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Materials Engineering
Organisation:	Brunel University London
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	13 January 1997	Ends:	12 January 1999	Value (£):	88,541
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Biomaterials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Healthcare
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
The kinetics and molecular detail of the nucleation of encrusting deposits of inorganic matter and bacteria at the urine/polymer interface have not yet been identified, but the information is vitally important if new materials resistant to encrustation are to be formulated. The problem is a multidisciplinary one, requiring collaboration between clinicians, polymer chemists, experts in surface analysis, bioadhesion and electron microscopy. Modern surface analysis techniques, some unique to the laboratories of the applicants, will be used to determine the quantitative details of bacterial adhesion and deposition of inorganics at a range of silicone and modified silicone surfaces, including those used in commercial catheters. Modifications to change the surface properties of the polymer in a favourable way will be by both chemical modification of the bulk polymer and by novel surface treatments post forming. Preliminary results in the latter case have already shown promise. Selection of materials most resistant to infection and encrustation should lead to the developemnt of Biomaterials Encrustation Adhesion Catheters.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website:	http://www.brunel.ac.uk