A groundbreaking innovation in medical technology has emerged from the collaborative efforts of scientists at Washington State University and Mayo Clinic. They have successfully developed an electrochemical catheter hub with the potential to drastically reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), a leading cause of patient mortality worldwide.

Published in the esteemed journal Biotechnology and Bioengineering, their research highlights the robust antimicrobial properties of this e-catheter hub. The device effectively eliminates a prevalent type of bacteria frequently implicated in hospital-acquired infections. Professor Haluk Beyenal, a key figure in this research from the Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, emphasized their goal to produce a low, yet effective, concentration of hypochlorous acid, a well-known disinfectant, to specifically target and prevent CLABSIs. Central venous catheters, crucial for various medical treatments, unfortunately serve as common entry points for pathogens, leading to approximately 20% of all bloodstream infections. These infections often contribute to severe conditions like sepsis, claiming countless lives annually, a problem exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic when CLABSI rates saw a surge of over 50%.

The team's pioneering work involves integrating 3D-printed catheter hubs with miniature, battery-operated electronics. These components control electrodes, meticulously crafted from gold or titanium, to facilitate an electrochemical reaction. This process transforms saline solution within the catheter hub into hypochlorous acid, ensuring continuous disinfection. Unlike single-application disinfectants, this system provides a persistent antibacterial shield. Initial experiments demonstrated the e-catheter hub's efficacy against a multi-antibiotic-resistant bacterial strain commonly found in central venous catheters and persistent on hospital surfaces. The gold-based electrodes proved particularly effective in sustaining the disinfectant's production and bacterial eradication. Looking ahead, the researchers, including first author Majid Al-Qurahi, a graduate student, plan to conduct further tests in animal models and explore its effectiveness against a broader spectrum of bacterial infections, while also determining the optimal, non-toxic concentration of the disinfectant to ensure patient safety.

This pioneering research heralds a new era in patient safety and infection control within healthcare. By leveraging electrochemical principles to generate continuous disinfection, this innovative catheter hub provides a proactive defense against life-threatening bloodstream infections. It underscores the critical role of scientific ingenuity and collaborative research in addressing persistent medical challenges, ultimately fostering healthier outcomes and reducing the burden of healthcare-associated complications.