The long-term objective of the proposed research is to provide an effective surface coating to reduce encrustation on urinary devices. Encrustation is one of the major complications associated with them, with an overall incidence of 10-58%, but a higher (64%) incidence in stone formers. To reduce this complication, we proposed to use a barrier coating to protect devices from pH elevation.
Specific aim 1 is to establish an experimental model to create encrustation on testing subjects. The model is an in vitro, static incubation system with humidity and temperature control. With this model, specific aim 2 will test the hypothesis-constant surface pH reduces encrustation. Evaluation will be made based on the measurements of calcium deposition on testing subjects exposed to various pH conditions.
Specific aim 3 concentrates on prolonging the effectiveness of anti-encrustation. The extension of effectiveness could be achieved by increasing the amount of active ingredients in the coating. The last specific aim is to evaluate the commercial potential of this new coating. Ureteral stents equipped with the anti-encrustation coating will be compared to many similar products on the market in the aspect of encrustation severity. The data will guide future optimization.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43DK067768-01
Application #
6792834
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-UROL (10))
Program Officer
Mullins, Christopher V
Project Start
2004-05-01
Project End
2004-10-31
Budget Start
2004-05-01
Budget End
2004-10-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$99,257
Indirect Cost
Name
Ast Products, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
611655440
City
Billerica
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01821
Piper, Merisa L; Unger, Elizabeth K; Myers Jr, Martin G et al. (2008) Specific physiological roles for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in leptin receptor-expressing neurons. Mol Endocrinol 22:751-9