Smart nanogels of bio-based antimicrobials to prevent urinary tract infections by disrupting inter- and intra-species communication of pathogens - SMARTGEL

Project summary

Urinary catheters often lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are responsible for increased mortality, and multi-billion euro public health economic burden. Most of the available at the market antibacterial coatings feature low durability and development of antimicrobial resistance. SMARTGEL will address the existing gaps to control catheter-associated UTIs by developing smart bio-based nanogels with antifouling, antibacterial and antibiofilm activities for coating of urinary catheters while maintaining the urinary tract physiological function in an inter- and transdisciplinary approach. SMARTGEL will adopt RRI principles to assess the impact of the materials on the society, considering the environmental, societal, cultural, ethical and the political dimension of the research. The dissemination and communication plan will ensure that SMARTGEL results reach the most relevant stakeholders. Automotive and construction sectors may also benefit from SMARTGEL outcomes.