Posted 1/12/2024, 12:00:12 PM
New AI-Designed Catheter with 3D-Printed Shape Stalls Bacteria, Preventing UTIs Without Antibiotics
- New AI-designed catheter has 3D-printed geometric shapes inside that prevent bacterial buildup and UTIs without antibiotics
- Smooth inner surface of normal catheters allows easy bacterial colonization; new design creates obstacles
- AI simulations tested over 10,000 designs to optimize bacteria-blocking ability
- Prototype catheter had 100x less E. coli bacteria than normal catheter in lab tests
- Further testing needed against other bacteria species and in clinical settings before widespread production