Medical Device Infections
Medical Device Infection Research with BioFlux
BioFlux Shear Flow Systems enable the realistic simulation of the dynamic fluid environments, such as blood and other bodily fluids, that medical devices are exposed to. Shear flow assays bridge the gap between static, oversimplified in vitro models and complex in vivo environments. By providing insights into the interplay between fluid dynamics and microbial behavior, assays conducted under shear flow facilitate the development of medical devices that are safer, more durable, and resistant to infections.
Shear Flow Applications in Medical Device Research
- Catheters (urinary, central venous)
- Implantable devices
- Stents and vascular grafts
- Prosthetic joints
Benefits of BioFlux
- Investigate Physiological Biofilm Formation – Shear flow can influence the attachment, growth, and structure of biofilms, allowing researchers to study these dynamics under conditions that mimic those in vivo.
- Test Antimicrobial Strategies in High-Throughput – Evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, surface treatments, or drug-delivery systems under conditions that simulate real-world use.
- Standardization and Reproducibility – Controlled and reproducible experiments help compare the effects of different variables (e.g., flow rate, bacterial strains, device materials).
- Cost-Effective Preliminary Testing – Using shear flow in a laboratory setting is less expensive and more ethical than conducting direct in vivo experiments in animals during early research stages.
Key BioFlux Advantages For Medical Device Infection Studies
- Microfluidic platform allows for reduced sample, volume-enabling the use of primary media including: saliva, plasma, urine, and tears
- Custom bottom plates feature the ability to add any material to the bottom of microfluidic flow chambers to enable a range of experimental protocols
- Assays can include infections of dental implants; orthopedic implants; in-dwelling device surfaces; and environmental biofilms in industrial settings
Multiple plate surfaces for experimental flexibility
