The Bactiguard Technology
Bactiguard’s unique infection prevention coating technology is safe and biocompatible, and significantly reduces the risk of medical device related infections. It is approved for both short- and long-term use and there are many application areas where it is used, and could be used, to increase patient safety. Bactiguard’s coating can be used on virtually all kinds of materials that are used for medical devices.
How it works
Bacteria and other microbes adhere to the surface of medical devices. The bacteria often form a biofilm, making them more resistant to antibiotics and the patient’s immune system, resulting in an increased risk of infection.
Bactiguard’s technology is based on an ultra-thin coating of gold, silver, and palladium. When in contact with fluids, a miniscule galvanic effect is created, which corresponds to a microscopic stream between the different noble metals. It allows fewer microbes to adhere to the surface, reducing the risk of biofilm formation leading to infection.
The quantities of noble metals are small, and no toxicological or pharmacological amounts are released. To put the quantities into perspective, an amount of noble metals equivalent to the size of a pea will result in a coating that covers an entire football field.
A unique approach
We work constantly to develop the technology to be able to apply it to new products, regardless of surfaces and materials. It has been successfully applied to titanium, stainless steel, latex, silicone, polymers, ceramic, and textile materials. Since it is approved for implants that can remain in the body for a lifetime, there are many potential areas of use such as knee and hip implants. The coating technology can be used in most areas where there is a medical need for infection prevention and tissue-friendly properties.
Since the coating is ultra-thin, the visual, mechanical, or dimensional properties of the device, such as thickness or rigidity, are not affected. Medical devices with Bactiguard’s coating put no additional requirements on sterile barriers or packaging and can be sterilized according to standardized methods. There are no specific requirements for healthcare professionals’ usage procedures or for waste management. The production process is also customizable and can easily be scaled up.
Strong patent and protection of the technology
Our well protected and long-lasting patented technology ensures that partners using Bactiguard’s coating technology have access to a unique infection prevention solution that is not available to competitors.
With patents secured until 2027 in the US and until 2029 in other regions, and the next generation of patents extending protection until 2039, partners can confidently invest in the technology, assured of its exclusive benefits without the risk of immediate imitation. The extended duration of patent protection allows for long-term planning and strategy development, giving MedTech companies the necessary time frame to maximize their return on investment and market penetration.
In essence, the robust patent protection of Bactiguard’s coating technology gives MedTech companies the security and exclusivity to develop and market advanced medical devices, safe in the knowledge that they are offering a unique product that is challenging to duplicate, ensuring a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace.