New Delhi, May 7 (India Science Wire): Researchers at Hyderabad-based Indian Institute of Chemical Technology have identified a new biomaterial to prevent microbial infections on medical implants like urethral catheters. By Sunderarajan Padmanabhan Studies have shown that around 70–80% of hospital acquired infections are due to the use of urethral catheters. It has been found that as the catheter is inserted into the bladder through urethra, the chance of developing catheter associated infections enhances three to seven per cent with each day of catheterization. This may mean additional financial burden for patients since these infections cause serious complications. Urethral catheter associated infections frequently arise from diverse poly-microbial communities. The problematic microbes causing biofilms include Candida albicans (C. albicans), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are the worst offenders.  The ability of Candida albicans to form a biofilm, its high rate of proliferation and defense escape strategies makes this fungal species drug resistant accounting for about 30% of inpatient deaths. Staphylococcus aureus also is highly prevalent pathogen in catheter-associated urinary tract Infections in children. Is the right to bear arms a fundamental right? Know from Justice Katju The case of Kashmir: A Gandhian Resolution Saad Hafiz’ pipe dream World Tuberculosis Day 2023: What are lessons from COVID-19 and TB vaccine rollout? Snake venom can effectively treat neurodegenerative disorders Species of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus form mixed biofilms over various medical devices. Therefore, researchers have been trying to identify new methods to inhibit clinically significant Candida albicans or mixed biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Besides, efforts are on to develop safe and biocompatible drug carriers that enable controlled drug release and increased bioavailability thus lowering the therapeutic dosage. Antimicrobial coatings on material surfaces can prevent microbial infections due to biofilms on medical implants. Several solutions are available. An aromatic compound called phenazine-1-carboxamide is one of them. Nanomaterials as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents 23 June 2020 Researchers develop anti-microbial multi-layer face mask 9 June 2020 Innovation hub launched to tackle antimicrobial resistance 22 November 2021 In the new study, scientists at Indian Institute…