Trackability of a high-strength thromboresistant hydrogel catheter: An In vitro analysis comparing venous catheter forces in a simulated use pathway

Soft Actuators and Actuation: Design, Synthesis, and Applications

Soft actuators are one of the most promising technological advancements with potential solutions to diverse fields' day-to-day challenges. Soft actuators derived from hydrogel materials possess unique features such as flexibility, responsiveness to stimuli, and intricate deformations, making them ideal for soft robotics, artificial muscles, and biomedical applications. This review provides an overview of material composition and design techniques for hydrogel actuators, exploring 3D printing, photopolymerization, cross-linking, and microfabrication methods for improved actuation. It examines applications of hydrogel actuators in biomedical, soft robotics, bioinspired systems, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip devices, and environmental, and energy systems. Finally, it discusses challenges, opportunities, advancements, and regulatory aspects related to hydrogel actuators.

Hydrophilic biomaterial intravenous hydrogel catheter for complication reduction in PICC and midline catheters

INTRODUCTION

More than 30% of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and midline catheters experience complications. Most complications are related to thrombotic cellular adherence to catheter materials.

AREAS COVERED

This manuscript outlines PICC and midline catheter complications, the need to reduce complications and how hydrogel catheters may provide a solution to address these unmet needs based on available evidence.

EXPERT OPINION

Patients commonly require PICC or midline catheters for treatment to establish a reliable form of intravenous access. Catheters, while reliable in most cases, are not without complications, including occlusion, thrombosis and infection, each related to cellular adherence to the catheter material. Hydrophilic catheter coatings and composites have been developed to mitigate these thrombotic complications, reduce adherence of blood and bacterial cells to catheters and provide greater patient safety with these devices. Hydrogel materials are highly biocompatible and have been effective in reducing cellular adherence and the formation of biofilms on surfaces. Smooth hydrophilic catheter surfaces are potentially more comfortable for the patient, with reduced friction during insertion and removal. A catheter constructed of hydrophilic biomaterial, a hydrogel composite material, may minimize thrombotic complications in PICC and midline catheters, improving catheter performance and outcomes for patients.