RP: Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about Camstent as a company?
We are a medical device start-up, spun out from a Cambridge University business plan competition and basic materials research conducted by the University of Nottingham. The costly problem of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) is well recognised in the NHS and worldwide, but existing solutions are universally seen as ineffective. Camstent has taken a new, novel approach towards infection control by suppressing biofilm formation, rather than killing the bacteria after they colonised the device. Today, Camstent employs ten people and operates a manufacturing facility at Colworth, Bedfordshire, with approval to ship product throughout Europe.
RP: Polymer coatings for catheters are the flagship innovation of your medical coatings company, can you tell us more about this technology?
The patented coating material consists of a mixture of two materials. One prevents the attachment of bacteria, a ‘Teflon™’ for microorganisms, while the other ensures flexibility during bending and stretching. The coating is applied by dipping and drying, and creates a barrier that is sterile, safe, and stable in routine patient use. The coating also imparts a ‘silky-smooth’ finish to the product, reducing friction and enhancing patient comfort.
This article appeared in the May–June 2019 issue of Reinforced Plastics. Log in to your free materialstoday.com profile to access the article.
RP: Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about Camstent as a company?
We are a medical device start-up, spun out from a Cambridge University business plan competition and basic materials research conducted by the University of Nottingham. The costly problem of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) is well recognised in the NHS and worldwide, but existing solutions are universally seen as ineffective. Camstent has taken a new, novel approach towards infection control by suppressing biofilm formation, rather than killing the bacteria after they colonised the device. Today, Camstent employs ten people and operates a manufacturing facility at Colworth, Bedfordshire, with approval to ship product throughout Europe.
RP: Polymer coatings for catheters are the flagship innovation of your medical coatings company, can you tell us more about this technology?
The patented coating material consists of a mixture of two materials. One prevents the attachment of bacteria, a ‘Teflon™’ for microorganisms, while the other ensures flexibility during bending and stretching. The coating is applied by dipping and drying, and creates a barrier that is sterile, safe, and stable in routine patient use. The coating also imparts a ‘silky-smooth’ finish to the product, reducing friction and enhancing patient comfort.
This article appeared in the May–June 2019 issue of Reinforced Plastics.
