Catheter instrumented with Ultraviolet-C LEDs for the sterilization of walls and water in hemodialysis ducts: construction, automation and verification of the effectiveness of the equipment.

• Grant number: 23/10908-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Antonio Storion Junior
• Grantee: Fernando Antonio Storion Junior
• Company: NOCK - PESQUISA E DESENVOLVIMENTO DE EQUIPAMENTOS ESTERILIZACAO LTDA
• CNAE: Fabricação de máquinas e equipamentos de uso geral não especificados anteriormente
• City: Araraquara
• Associated researchers: Tiago Azevedo Cunha
• Associated research grant(s): 24/07761-1 - Commercial structuring for market insertion of the project of an instrumented catheter with UV-C LEDs for the disinfection of walls and water in hemodialysis ducts., AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/16058-2 - Development of the automation, electronic, electrical and mechanical system for the UVC sterilization catheter of water duct walls of hemodialysis., BP.TT; 24/09354-4 - Microbiological efficacy analyses and monitoring of cytotoxicity analysis of the UVC sterilization catheter for water wall ducts in hemodialysis., BP.TT; 24/05124-4 - Catheter instrumented with ultraviolet-C LEDs for the sterilization of walls and water in hemodialysis ducts: construction, automation and verification of the effectiveness of the equipment, BP.PIPE

Abstract

This project aims to reduce the incidence of infections and contaminations in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Currently, the brazilian annual mortality rate for hemodialysis patients is 24.5%, the highest among all clinical treatments. Within this rate, it is estimated that contaminations are the second leading cause and contaminated water is its main vector. The biggest contributor to water contamination is the walls of the pipes, which are responsible for transporting water between the filtration stage and the entry into the hemodialysis machines. Pipes are the components that receive the least sanitary attention and are therefore the most susceptible to contamination. The research project involves the development of a prototype that promotes the sterilization of duct walls in the hemodialysis water treatment circuit using Ultraviolet-C (UVC) germicidal technology in LEDs. UVC-emitting LEDS are scientifically proven to possess a wavelength and energy capable of breaking DNA chains of microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In addition, UVC irradiation is a non-ionizing electromagnetic wave, making it a non-waste generating physical agent with high ecological and green potential. The feasibility of the technology has already been proven through in vitro tests of UVC LEDs in the complete removal of the main contaminating biofilms found in the hemodialysis environment, justifying the project proposal for the direct Phase 2. To perform the function of sterilizing duct walls, the prototype will be constructed in the form of an automated and flexible catheter containing flexible LED strips inside. This catheter will have the following main characteristics: the ability to promote axial and longitudinal scanning throughout the entire length of the pipe; be inserted, applied, and removed daily during the night period when the clinic is deactivated; promote the removal of microorganisms and prevention of the formation of colonies of microorganisms that release toxins harmful to patients, called biofilms. The research proposal will encompass efficacy and biological safety testing of a scope of the prototype already built, engineering development of a high-reliability prototype with all mechanical and electronic characteristics required and efficacy and safety testing in a relevant environment and in a real environment. (AU)